Žigic crowns memorable rise

FK Crvena Zvezda forward Nikola Žigic has been named Serbo-Montenegrin player of the year.

Instant impact
Žigic, who was chosen by a poll of the captains of the Prva Savezna Liga sides, has enjoyed a successful first season in the Serbo-Montenegrin top flight, scoring 12 goals in 15 league matches and adding a further six strikes in the UEFA Cup.

'Never stop'
"I never want this dream to end," said Žigic after hearing of the award. "Six months ago, I played in the third division [for FK Spartak], and now I am the best. Thanks for everything, I cannot say anything more."

Club-mates frustrated
Žigic finished ahead of two of his team-mates, with defender Nemanja Vidic, who is also the Crvena Zvezda captain, in second place and midfield player Dragan Mladenovic third.

Stankovic success
Vecernje novosti, the newspaper which organised the poll, named S.S. Lazio midfield player Dejan Stankovic international player of the year. Real Sociedad de Fútbol forward Darko Kovacevic was second and PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kezman was third.