Joleon Lescott has expressed amazement Manchester City team-mate Matija Nastasic was not nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year prize.
Gareth Bale walked away with the honour on a night of personal glory at a plush London ceremony on Sunday night. That Nastasic did not even make the six-man nominations list left Lescott stunned, particularly as the 20-year-old Serb is responsible for him spending so much time on the sidelines this season.
"I have no gripe with him. You don't begrudge someone who comes in and does well," said Lescott.
"It was a bit harsh he was not nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year. He plays beyond his years and if he was English he would have had a lot more recognition.
"He's not a glamorous sort of player who comes out with the ball. He just does his job exceptionally well."
Yet Nastasic's presence, along with that of skipper Vincent Kompany is sure to focus Lescott's mind about whether to remain at City for the final year of his contract.
The 30-year-old has set his sights on a place in England's 2014 World Cup squad. But his failure to gain selection for Roy Hodgson's initial party for the two most recent games against San Marino and Montenegro - even if he did end up starting both - has given Lescott something to ponder.
"It would be tough to have another season like this," said Lescott.
"I've only started 14 games and that is not great going into a World Cup. If my place in the squad was secure at international level then it would be a little bit easier.
"But I only got into the last squad by default. It was a reality check and made me realise I need to make a decision and it needs to be the right one for my career."
Source: PA
