Despite his commanding role which has endeared him into the hearts of players and fans, Nigeria international, John Mikel Obi was missing on the list of players shortlisted for the Middlesbrough Player of the year award.
Mikel who has been captaining the English Championship side in their recent matches was excluded from the four-man list announced on Tuesday.
The Nigerian has become a source of inspiration to his teammates since joining Boro on a short term deal in January.
However, it was not enough to earn the 32-year-old captain nomination.
On the list are Keeper Darren Randolph, versatile Jonny Howson, young defender Dael Fry and midfield livewire Lewis Wing. The winner which will be decided by a public vote while an on-line poll was opened today.
Republic of Ireland shot-stopper Randolph has kept 19 clean sheets in 44 games and has leaked just 39 goals – the joint best on both counts with Dean Henderson of Sheffield United.
Howson who is in his second season at the Teeside has also impressed as a makeshift attacking right wing-back in the second half of the season.
Fry has stepped up a gear this season as a first team fixture, has played all along a central back three and and also at right-back and has looked composed carrying the ball forward.
He has recently suffered an injury that ended his season and scuppered his chance to play for England Under-21s in the summer.
And Wing has been the big breakthrough success story of the season after battling from the fringes to the bench and then into the first XI.
The gong will be presented at the end of season awards ceremony at the Riverside along with the young player, goal of the year and lifetime achievement awards.