TWO Scottish players have been included in the nominations for this year's Golden Boy - a prestigious award used to crown Europe's top young player.

Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Raheem Sterling are just three of the previous winners, with a panel of journalists selecting the continent's top prospect on an annual basis.

A 100-man shortlist is compiled by a supporter vote before a final decision is made and two Scots - Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour and Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey - have made this year's cut.

Gilmour has featured sporadically for his club this term but has generally caught the eye when he has featured, and the 20-year-old's form was rewarded with a call-up to the Scotland squad for the Euros.

Hickey, meanwhile, made 12 appearances in all competitons for Bologna last season after departing Tynecastle but had his campaign cut short after undergoing surgery to treat a shoulder injury.

Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, Rennes midfielder Edouardo Camavinga and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz are believed to be the front-runners for to be named Golden Boy this year.

In order to be considered as a nominee, each player must be younger than 21 and play in a top-flight European league. Each month, 20 players are culled from the list until only 20 remain, at which point the winner is selected by a panel. The winner will be announced in December.