Birmingham v Leeds United: Lewis Cook deserves young player of the year accolade says Evans

Leeds United's Lewis Cook (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).

The 19-year-old is joined by Fulham’s Moussa Dembele and Rico Henry of League One Walsall in the final and the winner will be named at a glittering awards night on Sunday in Manchester. Dele Alli, then of Milton Keynes Dons, won the award last year

“For me, there can only be two contenders – Lewis and the boy Dembele at Fulham,” said Evans ahead of tonight’s trip to Birmingham City.

“I am biased, of course. But, in terms of all-round performances and the pressure he is under, I think it has to be Lewis.

“He is a wonderful talent and the only thing I would try to change in him is how frustrated he gets with himself when things don’t go well. He sets very high standards for himself.

“But he is young, he has got all the ability you could ask for and he I going to get much, much better. I would have been amazed if he hadn’t at least been on the short list.”

United head to St Andrews without Liam Bridcutt, who is again missing with a thigh strain.

Chris Wood is expected to start up front despite missing a couple of gilt-edged chances in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley.

Meanwhile, the Football Association commission that banned Souleymane Doukara for eight matches after finding the striker guilty of biting has criticised his evidence during last month’s hearing.

The written report from the three-man panel, who ruled the French striker had bitten Fernando Amorebieta during February’s 1-1 draw with Fulham and also imposed a fine £5,000, said Doukara had failed to “present well as a witness” or offer a “credible explanation” for Amorebieta’s injuries. It was also revealed Amorebieta, later sent off in the fixture at Elland Road, was advised by Fulham to undertake a seven-day course of antibiotics following the incident because “biting carries a risk of infection”.

Last six games: Birmingham City LDDLLW, Leeds United WWLLDL.

Referee: C Kavanagh (Manchester).

Last time: Birmingham City 1 Leeds United 1; September 13, 2014; Championship.