Reading defender nominated for Player of the Season ahead of play-off semi-final

Reading defender Michael Stickland has been nominated for PL2 Player of the Season as the Royals look for play-off glory.

20-year-old Stickland captains Noel Hunt's Under-21s, having lifted the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and preparing for Monday's semi-final tie with Sunderland.

The winner will visit either Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

Individually, the centre-back has captained the Royals 20 times this season and made a two-minute cameo in a 5-0 win over Swindon Town during the EFL Trophy group stage.

Stickland will find out if he has won on Wednesday, May 22.

The full shortlist for the award is as follows:

Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest)

Leo Castledine (Chelsea)

Jamie Donley (Tottenham Hotspur)

George Earthy (West Ham United)

Will Lankshear (Tottenham Hotspur)

Callum Marshall (West Ham United)

Jude Soonsup-Bell (Tottenham Hostpur)