Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was named England's Footballer of the Year on Wednesday by the Football Writers' Association (FWA).

The 28-year-old England midfielder won the FWA poll ahead of Manchester United pair Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Giggs was named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year last month.

The FWA award, the oldest of its type in Europe, has been running since 1948 and Gerrard is the first Liverpool player to win it since John Barnes in 1990, the last time the Anfield club won the top-flight title.

Gerrard has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, the best tally of his career with two Premier League matches remaining.

FWA chairman Steve Bates 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."

(Reuters via China Daily May 14, 2009)