Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha has been shortlisted in the npower Football League Young Player of the Year category at the Football League Awards 2012.

Wilfried will come up against two other Football League players for the Award, having made the final shortlist following judging by a panel of industry experts.

The exciting young English forward started his playing career at Crystal Palace, signing his first professional contract in 2007 and making his first team debut against Cardiff City in March 2010.

Scoring his first senior goal against Leicester City in August 2010, Zaha has since gone on to show exceptional promise, cementing his place in the Crystal Palace first team and earning a call up to the England U21 squad in February 2012.

Wilfried's ability was highlighted in Crystal Palace's 2011/12 Carling Cup Quarter Final win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, getting an assist and displaying a match winning performance.

When assessing the category, judges looked at Football League players that are either under 21 years of age, or turned 21 during the 2011/12 season. The panel was looking to recognise the players they felt had made the most significant contribution and impact in their respective first team this season.

The full shortlist includes:

Lewis Dunk - Brighton & Hove Albion

Matt Phillips - Blackpool

Wilfried Zaha - Crystal Palace

John Nagle, Head of Communications at The Football League, said: "This Award looks to recognise the exciting talent that is produced and developed within League clubs and to celebrate those players who have shown exceptional promise during the 2011/12 season."

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