IF the voting for Burnley’s player of the season began and ended in 2012, Charlie Austin would win. No contest.

Outscoring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with 20 goals by early November, thanks to two hat-tricks in the space of a month, he equalled a club record with at least one goal in eight consecutive games.

The Berkshire-born former bricklayer was demolishing defences and grabbing the headlines.

He was the toast of Turf Moor.

He still is, and he probably still will sweep the board at the end of season ceremonies.

But the fact that reaching his next milestone has been more of a struggle than his last, and remains a work in progress, has allowed other team-mates the opportunity to vie for attention and the favour of fans.

Lee Grant is one.

The goalkeeper has been far less troubled under Sean Dyche’s watch – certainly the early part – than he was in the first two months of the season when, although free scoring under Eddie Howe, they conceded fairly frequently too.

But there have been some notable contributions for the Championship ever-present to keep the Clarets in games, most recently, his penalty save to pave the way for a much-needed home win over Bristol City.

Further forward, you can always rely on Ross Wallace for an assist, and he was missed when injury forced a five-game absence. Home form especially suffered without the influential winger.

Dean Marney, too, has a chance to be recognised for his constant endeavour in the midfield engine room.

The list of candidates to follow on from Kieran Trippier and take the player of the year crown is long and varied.

Austin has no competition for the club’s golden boot. He is the runaway leader with Martin Paterson next in line on six.

But the race for the player of the year could be a photo finish.