|
Gerrard, Rooney pick up awards
24/04/2006 09:20 - (SA)
London - Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney picked up two more honours to add to their glittering collections on Sunday.
Gerrard was named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year at a gala dinner in London while Rooney, still just 20 years old, picked up the young player of the year prize for the second time.
England midfielder Gerrard, 25, topped the poll as voted for by his colleagues ahead of the other five leading candidates - Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Rooney and Chelsea trio Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and John Terry, last year's winner.
Gerrard had been third in last season's vote, and went on to guide the Reds to a famous Champions League final victory on penalties over AC Milan in Istanbul.
While Liverpool may not have hit the same heights in Europe during the current campaign, Rafael Benitez's men have climbed up the Premiership table to third place and on Saturday knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup to reach the final.
"I am still in shock to be honest," said Gerrard.
"If you look at the shortlist, there are five other guys who have so much talent. They are all special players."
Henry collected the accolade in both 2003 and 2004, while other previous winners also include former England captain Gary Lineker, current Blackburn boss Mark Hughes and recently retired Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.
Gerrard revealed he had voted for Henry, and also Rooney as young player.
Rooney said: "To win it twice on the run is a great honour and I am delighted with the award.
"As a team, we (United) have done a bit better than last year, so it is an improvement.
"Hopefully we can continue that and I will be sitting here again next season."
The other names short-listed for the young player award were Charlton striker Darren Bent, Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United, Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand.
Rooney revealed he had nominated Fabregas and Henry in their respective categories.
- AFP
|
