SAINTS forward Charlie Austin has been nominated for the inaugural ‘Sportsperson with a Personality Award’.

The final shortlist for the first award celebrating sportsmen and women for their personalities, rather than just their talent, was selected by ex-Wimbledon, Chelsea and Saints midfielder Dennis Wise.

The nominees had to be entertainers, have surprised fans and demonstrated charm, charisma and an ability to break the media-trained mould as well as be appreciated by the wider public.

Austin has been recognised for the post-match rant bemoaning his disallowed goal in last month’s 1-1 draw against Watford.

Wise said: “Charlie Austin’s on the list for saying what we’ve always known – refereeing can kill the game.

“His supercharged rant was something all football fans, from all clubs, could relate to and broke the boring football interview mould. My ex-colleagues at Wimbledon and Chelsea would be proud.”

The other 11 contenders include Wise’s former Saints teammate Peter Crouch and manager Harry Redknapp.

Wise said: “He might be a Championship player now, but Crouchy's banter has remained Premier League.

"Open, self-deprecating and very, very funny, his podcast has shone a light on just how much of a great bloke he is.

"Harry’s been a football hero in the dugout for years and now thanks to the jungle, he’s a national treasure too.

"What’s more, he even showed he can survive without Niko Krancjar. Come on ‘Arry!"

The other nominees are rugby union star James Haskell, boxers Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew, tennis star Johanna Konta, football pundit Alex Scott, golfer Tommy Fleetwood, YouTube entertainer KSI and paralympian Hannah Cockroft.

To vote, head to kwiff.com/swapa before next Thursday, when the winner will be announced.

The winner will receive £5,000 for a charity of their choice.

Daniel Skold, CMO of kwiff, the sponsors of the inaugural Sportsperson with a Personality Award 2018, said: “Football is the most obvious example, but the increased professionalism in all sports has created a disconnect between everyday sportspeople and everyday people.

"We are proud to sponsor the first awards which seek to truly recognise personality and not just those who have won everything. Charlie Austin is a perfect candidate for our shortlist and we fully expect his fans to back him.”