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Football

31st May 2016

Good news for Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle’s All Star hopes but no joy for Frank Lampard

Time to vote

Tom Victor

Voting has opened for the MLS All Star game, and Frank Lampard is the biggest name left off the list. Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle are included.

Fans are able to vote from a list of more than 100 players – including 60 midfielders – but the former England international is not in contention after another injury-hit season.

But former Derby County midfielder Simon Dawkins and ex-Leeds and Charlton winger Lloyd Sam are both on the ballot after finding their feet across the Atlantic.

Lampard missed the 2015 All Star game due to injury and has only returned to fitness in time to make two substitute appearances in 2016.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Professional footballer Frank Lampard attends the New York City Football Club Ride of Fame Induction Ceremony at Pier 78 on September 22, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Ride of Fame)

There is a strong English presence on this year’s ballot, in addition to English-born Jamaica international Dawkins and English-born Ghana international Sam.

Steven Gerrard is in contention, as are the other two Englishmen to enjoy ‘Designated Player’ status – Bradley Wright-Phillips and Liam Ridgewell.

They are joined by Dom Dwyer, who moved to the United States after time in Norwich City’s academy, and Middlesbrough academy product Seb Hines.

Once the public voting is over, MLS officials are able to add a number of wildcard picks. Several big names are included in the ballot, with Didier Drogba, David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka all eligible to be selected by the public.

Ireland’s Keane [LA Galaxy] and Doyle [Colorado Rapids] are both included in the forwards section. Keane has four goals in eight appearances so far this season while Doyle’s 10 outings for Rapids have gleaned two goals and an assist.

Kevin Doyle goal Seattle

The MLS All Stars will face Arsenal in San Jose on July 28.

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