Zhirkov wins top prize in Russia

PFC CSKA Moskva midfielder Yuri Zhirkov has been named Russian Player of the Year after coming top of a poll held by the Russian Football Union, with 18-year-old Alan Dzagoev chosen as the nation's most promising youngster.

Great year
Zhirkov helped CSKA win the Russian Cup and finish runners-up in the Russian Premier-Liga and he also played an influential role as Russia reached the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008™. Capped 28 times for his country, the 25-year-old caught the eye in Austria and Switzerland with a series of electrifying displays at left-back, his pace and skill eptimosing the strength of coach Guus Hiddink's side. Zhirkov was also shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or, which was won by Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month. Zhirkov's CSKA and Russia team-mate Igor Akinfeev was named as the best goalkeeper while another CSKA player, 18-year-old midfielder Dzagoev, was elected the most promising youngster.