JOHN Kear admits he would choose Brandon Pickersgill over Ethan Ryan as League One’s young player of the year.

The Bulls duo are short-listed for the award alongside York winger Judah Mazive.

Dane Chisholm is also in the running for the player of the year crown. He is up against York duo Ben Cockayne and Connor Robinson and Workington’s experienced Sean Penkywicz.

And Kear is one of three choices for the division’s top coach along with title winner James Ford of York and Leon Pryce, who has steered Workington into the play-offs in his first season in the job.

Tonight’s presentations at the Championship and League One annual dinner in Manchester provide a timely break from the build-up to Sunday’s play-off semi-final against Oldham.

The Bulls are expected to lift the young player prize – but Kear says it is a tough pick.

Ryan was rested from the weekend win over Hemel but still comfortably finished as League One’s top scorer with 32 tries.

But Kear’s vote would go to Pickersgill just shading it after the 21-year-old has proved a model of consistency in a break-through campaign.

The Bulls head coach said: “It’s a tough choice. But if mine was the casting vote, I think Ethan Ryan’s been absolutely fantastic but Brandon Pickersgill has been the most improved player at this club.

“And so, if it was me, I’d vote for him.

“But it’s good for us that there’s Ethan Ryan, young Pick and Chizzy up for awards.

“Hopefully they’ll stay off the pop and be successful with that. The rest of the lads will be preparing for Sunday.”

Pickersgill admits he is just chuffed to be in the running.

He said: "Ethan has absolutely killed it this year so I'm just happy to be on the list.

"Hopefully one of the Bulls players can win it.

"It's been great for me this year. It's been one where I've really put my name down for a spot in the team.

"I wasn't expecting to be nominated so if I win it's a massive bonus for me. If not I'll congratulate whoever does, I'm just happy to be there."