April 14 2005

Andy Johnson

Andrew Johnson has been nominated for this year's PFA Player of the Year award.

Johnson, who has scored 18 goals so far this season for Palace, has received enough votes from fellow professional footballers throughout the country to be voted within the top six players.

Johnson is up against Chelsea's Peter Cech, Frank Lampard and John Terry, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, and last year's winner Arsenal's Thierry Henry.

Gordon Taylor PFA Chairman said: "To be named in the top six players in the country, by your fellow pros, and to have achieved international recognition in the process, is a tremendous tribute to someone I would call a professional's professional

"He has done so well and the energy and strength he has displayed to get his goals is a great achievement."

Johnson told the official Palace website : "AJ told the club's official website: "I am delighted to have been nominated for this award and it is all the more pleasing as it was voted by my fellow professionals.

"This would not have been possible without the help of the management team and my team-mates so I would like to thank them for their help in me receiving this recognition."