Football in Brief: Van Persie has peer support; Francis let out of hospital; Liverpool fans face Cup final train chaos

The Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will be the clear favourite after being named among the nominees for PFA Players' Player of the Year award. The prolific Dutchman heads a six-man shortlist revealed by the Professional Footballers' Association for their top award.

Manchester City players make up half the shortlist in David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Joe Hart. The winner will be announced on Sunday.

Players' Player of the Year award: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Joe Hart (Man City), Scott Parker (Tot), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), David Silva (Man City).

Young player award: Aguero, Gareth Bale (Spurs), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tot), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd).

Francis let out of hospital

Trevor Francis was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon after suffering a suspected heart attack on Friday. Birmingham Heartlands Hospital released the former England striker after the 57-year-old recovered well from surgery. Francis, Britain's first £1m player, has been working as a TV pundit since his last managerial post at Crystal Palace.

Liverpool fans face Cup final train chaos

Liverpool fans heading to next month's FA Cup final face travel chaos as a result of severely-restricted rail services. The Football Association has been criticised by a supporters' group for scheduling the 5 May tie against Chelsea for a 5.15pm kick-off but transport logistics are set to push anger levels higher. Engineering work by Network Rail over the May Day bank holiday weekend means Virgin Trains have cancelled all but three of their Liverpool to London services on the day of the final. Fans are being advised to travel via Manchester, Chester, or Stoke but there are no trains going back to the North-west after the game.