Piiroja honoured in Estonian election

Fredrikstad FK central defender Raio Piiroja has been voted 2006 Estonian Player of the Year by a clear margin.

Norwegian heroics
The 27-year-old headed two goals as Fredrikstad beat Sandefjord Fotball 3-0 to win the Norwegian Cup for the first time in 22 years last week, capping a fine domestic season for the Estonian international who takes this award for the first time. Piiroja began his career with JK/Kalev Pärnu aged 15 before moving to FC Flora and winning league titles in 2000 and 2001. He moved to Norway on loan with Vålerenga IF in 2002, and joined Fredrikstad in 2004, first in a temporary move and then permanently for a €180,000 fee.

Dutch-based duo miss out
In the poll of 15 football journalists and 15 Estonian Football Association officials Piiroja was placed first by 22 voters and secured 76 points out of a possible 90. Heracles Almelo defender Ragnar Klavan collected 35 points, eleven ahead of another Dutch-based player, Roda JC striker Andres Oper, who won this award for the third time in 2005.