Player of the Year honour surprises Gerrard

Steven Gerrard claims he was surprised to be named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The England midfielder beat off competition from Manchester United's Ryan Giggs - the recently-crowned PFA Player of the Year - and Wayne Rooney.

He is the first Liverpool player since John Barnes in 1990 to claim the honour
I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised,' said the 28-year-old England international.

'When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.

'It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.

'The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.

'It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.

'Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans.'

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had nothing but praise for his captain, who has been the driving force behind their bid to challenge Manchester United for the Premier League title.

'I'm really pleased for Steven,' said the Spaniard.

'It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.

'For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved.'

Chairman of the FWA Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: 'Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.

'His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

'Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honor his contribution to club and country.'

Gerrard will receive the trophy at an Football Writers' Association gala dinner in London on May 29.