Rooney, 24, and Fabregas, 22, will compete to join a select band of players to have won the young player award in the same season as the main honour.

BBC: Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney shortlisted for PFA award

Anne Milner earned the same honour for her work as a traffic warden in Cornwall.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | What makes a modern hero?

But this is not quite, technically, the same as receiving the knighthood (or indeed any other honour).

FORBES: Apple's Jony Ive Receives His Knighthood

"It's an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as Paula, " said Twell.

BBC: 'New Paula' targets gold in 2012