BLACKBURN Rovers Ladies interim manager Gemma Donnelly has been shortlisted for a new FA coaching award.

Donnelly has been nominated for Talent Coach of the Year in the Female Game by the FA Licensed Coaches’ Club.

Donnelly, who also runs Rovers’ Centre of Excellence, and her fellow nominees will be honoured at the first ever FA Licensed Coaches’ Club Coaching Awards on Friday at St George’s Park.

Donnelly said: “This is totally unexpected and I am very honoured to receive the nomination.

“I am looking forward to attending the event and meeting all the other nominees in the various categories.

“I am very fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated group of players and staff, and I have to pay special thanks to the club, who have always supported and encouraged the growth of the women and girls section. Without that, it would have been an impossible task.”