PFA Players of the Year: Republic of Ireland exile Stephen Ireland is expected to be crowned PFA young player of the year after his stellar performances for Manchester City this season.
The 22-year-old, who has scored an impressive 12 goals from midfield this term, is short-listed alongside the likes of Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans and Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.
Evans’ Manchester United teammate Rafael and Tottenham Hotspur flyer Aaron Lennon make up the final six after catching the eye of their fellow professionals.
While the competition is likely to be stiff, Ireland has enjoyed the most consistent season and is most likely to succeed Cesc Fabregas.
Ireland, who remains steadfast in his decision not to return to the international arena, might have courted controversy earlier in his career but the youngster has put all that behind him this term with some stellar performances that have outshone Brazilian duo Robinho and Elano.
United dominate the senior awards, with Steven Gerrard the only non-United player on the list of nominees.
As voting took place before United’s recent dip in form, it is perhaps no surprise the quintuple-chasing outfit provide five contenders — including Ryan Giggs, who has never won the prestigious award despite boasting a record 10 league titles.
However, it could look a little strange if Liverpool or Chelsea, who have no-one in the list for either the senior or young player prize, go on to win the Premier League.
Aside from Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar — who kept a record 14 consecutive clean sheets earlier in the season — are also nominated, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who could become the first player to win three times in succession.
However, the favourite to lift the trophy at Grosvenor House on April 26th remains Nemanja Vidic, another ever-present during United’s record run of clean sheets.
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