14 May 2009

Steven Gerrard gets writers' award

6:12 am on 14 May 2009

The Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says it's a great privilege to be named the 2009 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.

The 28-year-old England midfielder pipped Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney in the poll voted for by journalists.

Gerrard has scored 23 goals this season as Liverpool have been battling to land their first league title since 1990.

He says he's delighted but a little bit surprised.

Gerrard will receive the award, the oldest of its type in Europe and running since 1948, at the FWA's gala dinner in London at the end of the month.