Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is one of five British players nominated for the 2009 European Player of the Year award.

The 35-year-old joins Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and John Terry on the shortlist for the prize, known as the Ballon d'Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award last year, is included but no Italian or German players have been selected. The winner, chosen by world football writers, will be announced in December.

Giggs, who was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season, joins teammates Rooney and Nemanja Vidic on the shortlist.

Chelsea also have three nominees - midfielder Lampard, defender Terry and striker Didier Drogba. The other Premier League players on the list are forward Andrey Arshavin and midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal, with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres joining fellow nominee Gerrard.

Barcelona's Argentinian star Lionel Messi is one of the favourites to win the competition, organised by France Football magazine.

Check the full list of 30 players here, http://gamegist.com/2009/10/18/2009-european-player-of-the-yeargiggs-in-the-short-list/