Gerrard wins professional acclaim

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard has been named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year in England. Gerrard was presented with the award at a ceremony on Sunday, beating the short-listed Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry, John Terry and Joe Cole to the prize.

European champion
Gerrard, who skippered Liverpool to their UEFA Champions League triumph in Istanbul last May, has been in superb form once again this season and is his club's leading scorer with 19 goals in all competitions. The accolade, voted for by his fellow players, caps a fine weekend for the 25-year-old who, on Saturday, led Liverpool to an FA Cup semi-final victory against Chelsea FC.

'Still in shock'
"I am still in shock," Gerrard said. "To go through to another FA Cup final and win this special award in the same weekend is fantastic for me." Liverpool are also on course to return to the UEFA Champions League, having secured at least a place in the third qualifying round with three games to play. Gerrard was third in last year's poll, won by Chelsea defender Terry.

Rooney accolade
Manchester United FC forward Rooney was named PFA Young Player of the Year for the second season running. The 20-year-old has scored 19 goals this term, including two in United's 4-0 League Cup final success against Wigan Athletic FC.