Chelsea dominate Women's PFA Player of the Year shortlist

Chelsea Ladies dominate the Women's Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year shortlist with five of the six candidates.

A stellar season for Emma Hayes' team is nearing its climax, with the Blues sitting top of the Women's Super League and one step away from the Champions League final.

England striker Fran Kirby and defender Millie Bright are strong contenders for the top award, and are joined on the list by three team-mates in South Korean playmaker Ji So-yun, Norwegian midfielder Maren Mjelde and Swiss forward Ramona Bachmann.

Manchester City Women midfielder Jill Scott is the one non-Chelsea player on the list, rewarded for her strong season with club and country.

Last year's winner Lucy Bronze has since moved on to join French giants Lyon, making her ineligible for back-to-back awards.

Of the players shortlisted, Kirby has been a prolific scorer for Chelsea this term, already reaching the 20-goal mark. Such form has established the 24-year-old as a worthy name in the frame.

Players from the 10 Women's Super League top-tier teams were eligible to vote in both categories and winners will be announced at the PFA awards dinner in London on Sunday, April 22.

That is the day when Chelsea and City play home first legs in their Champions League semi-finals, with Wolfsburg and Lyon their respective opponents.

Manchester City Women have three emerging stars on the Women's Young Player of the Year shortlist, with midfielders Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway and goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck nominated. The City trio are in contention for World Cup places next year, Neville recently indicated.

They are joined by 17-year-old Bristol City forward Lauren Hemp, Everton defender Gabby George and Chelsea's Scottish midfielder Erin Cuthbert.