Burrows told BBC Radio Ulster that he found out about his nomination from a team-mate at training on Tuesday night.

BBC: Mattie Burrows' Glentoran goal on Fifa award shortlist

The Manchester United defender was set to skipper his country at the finals, but a knee injury suffered in a training ground clash with team-mate Emile Heskey saw his dreams ended.

BBC: World Cup 2010: Wayne Rooney backed to control temper

Wasps finished seventh in the Guinness Premiership table and were disappointing in the Heineken Cup, while Cipriani was also involved in a training ground bust-up with team-mate Josh Lewsey.

BBC: Cipriani defends form after axe