Lithuania hails Gedgaudas
Monday, November 29, 2004
Article summary
Lithuanian international Andrius Gedgaudas has been named his country's A Lyga Player of the Year.
Article body
FBK Kaunas midfield player Andrius Gedgaudas has been named the Lithuanian A Lyga Player of the Year.
Close vote
The 26-year-old won by a small margin, collecting 229 points in a poll conducted by the Lithuanian Football Federation. The top scorer in the league this season, Povilas Lukšys of FK Ekranas, finished 24 points adrift of Gedgaudas, while another Ekranas player, Mantas Savenas, finished third with 104 points.
'A big surprise'
The A Lyga Player of the Year poll has been conducted annually since 1992. In the last six years, Kaunas players have won it five times, including Darius Maciulevicius, now with Russian side FC Lisma-Mordovia Saransk, in 2003. "The season ended on a high for me, but I still didn't imagine receiving an honour like this," said Gedgaudas. "This really is a big surprise for me."
Excellent form
The versatile midfield player helped Kaunas to defend their title this year, while showing great form for the national team in their FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Spain and San Marino. Gedgaudas has played for Kaunas since July 2003, having previously played club football in Poland, Armenia and Ukraine.