Krubally, 17, is in line for League One Apprentice of Season EFL award

YOUNG Burton Albion star Sulyman Krubally has received recognition after being nominated for the EFL League One Apprentice of the Season award, while Gary Bowyer missed out on the managerial shortlist.

- By DAN NEWBOULD

Krubally has enjoyed a breakthrough year aged just 17 as a regular in the first team and has put on several stand out displays, including against West Ham United, before even passing his driving test.

He is often singled out for praise as one of the best players on the pitch with his performances belying his tender age in the middle of the park, and has incredibly played 19 times in League One and another four in the FA Cup and three in the EFL Trophy already, with many more appearances to come.

Bowyer has spoken of trust being the most important thing a manager can have in a player, and he has that and some with Krubally.

Confirmed this week, the manager of the year shortlist includes Michael Skubala of Lincoln City, Graham Alexander at Bradford, Cardiff's Brian Barry-Murphy, and Alex Revell at Stevenage, while the player list reads Jack Moylan and Sonny Bradley at Lincoln, Owen Bailey at Doncaster, and league top scorer Dom Ballard at Leyton Orient.

Ballard is also up for young player alongside Amario Cozier-Duberry Bolton Wanderers, Dylan Lawlor-Cardiff City, and Jenson Metcalfe - Bradford City, while Albion's Krubally is up for the apprentice award with Ryan Doherty - Stevenage, and Tegan Finn Plymouth Argyle.

Bowyer can count himself incredibly unfortunate not to be nominated for manager of the season. He took over last year when Albion were dead and buried and written off by everyone, yet kept them up against all odds.