Lukaku and Benteke in PFA Young Player running
West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku and Aston Villa hot-shot Christian Benteke were today nominated for the PFA's Young Player of the Year.
Lukaku, 19, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, and Benteke, 22, are joined on the list of nominees by Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale, Chelsea star Eden Hazard, Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Bale and Hazard are also shortlisted for the main PFA Player of the Year award along with Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.
The West Midlands' Belgian connection has set the Premier League alight this season with Lukaku hitting 13 goals in 15 league starts, with another 13 appearances off the bench, while Benteke has scored 15 in 30.
Benteke's total includes 10 in his last 12 Villa appearances, making the £7m they paid Genk for his services back in August look a steal.
But Villa boss Paul Lambert today insisted Benteke must avoid becoming a "one-season wonder".
The club will hold talks about a contract extension with the 22-year-old after his breakthrough season.
Lambert said: "The guy has been great and I don't want him to be a one-season wonder. I know exactly where we are and we'll look at the contract, at the end of the season.
"It's great for him and the club he's been nominated and with some great players. Hopefully, it won't affect his football."
The winners will be announced on April 28.
