Chelsea star Fran Kirby named PFA Women's Player of the Year after stellar campaign

Chelsea Ladies striker Fran Kirby's excellent form has been recognised by her peers as she won the vote for the Professional Footballers' Association Women's Player of the Year.

The 24-year-old has been an inspiration for the swashbuckling Blues this year, and has netted 22 goals in all competitions so far this term to help the west Londoners run amok.

Kirby was one of five players from unbeaten Women's Super League leaders Chelsea to be shortlisted for the award, with Millie Bright, Ji So-yun, Maren Mjelde and Ramona Bachmann joining her and Manchester City's Jill Scott.

Kirby picked up her award just hours after playing in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Emma Hayes' side head to Germany for the return fixture next Sunday, before the FA Women's Cup final against Arsenal and the conclusion of a memorable WSL campaign.

Bristol City Women's Lauren Hemp was named winner of the Women's Young Player of the Year prize.

Just 17 years old, the striker was crowned England Young Player of the Year in September.

Hemp was shortlisted alongside the Manchester City trio of Ellie Roebuck, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh, as well as Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert and Everton Ladies' Gabby George.