Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard has been named England's Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA), finishing ahead of Manchester United FC pair Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Highest return
England midfielder Gerrard has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, the best return of his career with two Premier League matches remaining. Despite being hampered by injuries, the 28-year-old becomes the first Liverpool player to win the PWA award since John Barnes in 1990, the last time the Anfield club won the top-flight title. A repeat appears unlikely with United set to retain the Premier league trophy barring any major hiccup, and Gerrard may have to settle for personal honours.

'Drive and desire'
"Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality," said FWA chairman Steve Bates. "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 honour his contribution to club and country." Gerrard will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner in London on 29 May, the day before his 29th birthday. Second-placed Giggs was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year in April.