The award, which is open to players who were 23-years-old or younger on July 1 2013, will be handed out next Sunday at Grosvenor House in London

Daniel Sturridge and Eden Hazard have been named on the six-man shortlist for the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year award.

The striker’s Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling, Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and young England hopefuls Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley are the other players nominated by their peers at the 92 Premier and Football League clubs in England.

The winner will be announced at the 41st annual PFA awards at Grosvenor House on Sunday, April 27.

Liverpool striker Sturridge, 24, has enjoyed the season of his life, scoring 20 goals in 26 Premier League matches and forging a formidable partnership with Luis Suarez.

Club mate Sterling has also enjoyed a fine campaign under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, and is likely to be involved in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Both will face stiff competition from Chelsea winger Hazard, who has often been the pick of the Blues’ forward players this season.

Ramsey enjoyed a stellar first half to the season, scoring 13 goals and notching six assists in his opening 22 games – being named player of the month for four consecutive months – before a hamstring injury ruled out him for over three months.

Everton and Southampton youngster Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw have also both enjoyed coming-of-age campaigns, with first England call-ups and an outside chance of a World Cup berth deserved achievements.

Gareth Bale was named PFA Young Player of the Year last season as well as winning the main award, plus the Football Writers’ gong.

The award is open to all players who were 23-years-old or younger on July 1, 2013.

Votes have been cast over the last month and this week they have been counted by Beever & Struthers Chartered Accountants.