United star Hatem Ben Arfa has been nominated for the Budweiser Player of the Round award for his FA Cup heroics

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Hatem Ben Arfa is one of five players nominated for the Budweiser Player of the Round award for their performances in the FA Cup third round.

The French star was sensational in Newcastle's 2-1 win against Blackburn and capped his display with a stunning goal, where he dribbled past five men before shooting home.

A five-man panel, made up of ITV sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, Sun journalist Jim Munro, BBC Radio 5Live Football Correspondent Nigel Adderley, FA Historian David Barber and Droylsden fan Tony Curran, who has attended an FA Cup tie in every round so far, decided upon the shortlist.

It also includes Wrexham's Adrian Cieslewicz, Macclesfield goalkeeper Arnaud Mendy, Matt Phillips of Blackpool and Swindon's Matt Ritchie.

The closing date for votes is Friday, 20th January and the player with the most votes will receive a commemorative Budweiser Player of the Round trophy and will be invited to the FA Cup final as a guest of the FA and Budweiser - although hopefully Ben Arfa will be playing in it with Newcastle!

To vote, click here.