Ranked: Championship’s 21 best young players - including Birmingham City, Leicester and Ipswich stars

Birmingham City's Jordan James was beaten to the EFL Young Player of the Year award by Archie Gray of Leeds United.

The EFL awards took place on Sunday, April 14 in London and James was put forward for the award. James, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club last month despite being in his teenage years, was a noble contender. Despite Birmingham's tumultuous campaign, he has been a shining light. He has got eight goals in 41 appearances and has been a constant figure in the side at 19-years-old.

As to who beat him, Alfie Gray has mainly played as a right-back for Leeds United who are in the hunt for the Championship title. The 18-year-old who naturally is a centre midfielder has played 41 times this season and has got two assists and a goal.

Norwich City's Jonathan Rowe was the other player up for the award however he's been out with an injury. The 20-year-old has got 12 goals and two assists for the Canaries this season.

The Championship season isn’t over yet though, and despite the awards being dished out, there will always be a difference of opinion. Three games are left to play for most teams in the division, whilst for four others they’ll be competing in the play-offs in May.

WhoScored supplies the EFL with suggestions for their weekly, monthly and seasonal awards, and now they’re helping us look at the best players under the age of 21 this season. One Birmingham City star features and it’s not Jordan James, and he’s joined by players from Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Hull City and more.