AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE?

As the premiership draws to a close one question on my mind is who will become PFA player of the year? Well today they will be publicized and in my mind it`s going to be the usual suspects. Steven Gerrard , Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo will probably be in contention and rumor has it Ryan Giggs. Big name players from big name clubs as per usual. The winners of this award are normally from the so called big clubs and the little guys never stand a chance.

But when you ask yourself who has been inspirational ALL season? who has been consistent ALL season? You may (like myself) find yourself looking at less likely candidates. Don't get me wrong Steven Gerrard has been fabulous this season, better than i have seen him, and would be a worthy winner on the 28th of April. I however feel there are players who will be missing from the list who HAVE been inspirational, HAVE been consistent for there clubs. Players such as Bolton duo Matty Taylor and Kevin Davies who have helped Bolton stay adrift of the relegation zone all year. Both have chipped in with vital goals and between them have 21 goals and made 60 appearances. Then there Phil Jagielka who has been inspirational for Everton this year, a rock at the back in all 39 games he has played to help Everton maintain there charge on the top four. Then there is Fuhlam`s Brede Hangeland and Wigan`s Figueroa, two players who have also shown solidness and consistency to keep there two teams not only out of trouble at the bottom but pushing for Europe. Ok so not world class players, not your everyday household names either but have been terrific all season.

But i have left one player out off the list. Someone who i feel should be a certainty for the list of six, but will be like the others overlooked. This man has really come on leaps and bounds this season and has cemented his place in the starting line, playing more games than anyone else at the club and meaning pushing other star players to the bench. He has a equal goal rate to their record signing Brazilian striker. Yes as you have probably realised i feel Manchester City`s Steven Ireland should make the 6 nominees. 39 appearances 12 goals and performances to match any midfielder in the premiership this season.

I`ll have my figures crossed that that I will be wrong but like the saying goes the little man doesn't stand a chance.