Giggs wins Player of Year award

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year - the first time he has won the award in his glittering career.

The 35-year-old had picked up the young player's award twice and has now been voted for the top accolade by his fellow professionals following his exemplary season, which looks likely to end with his 11th Premier League title.

"It's right up there, with personal accolades it's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players," Giggs said.

He added: "I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young player award twice, but this is the big one."

Giggs has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions, with the award acknowledging the respect he has from opponents.

If he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg this week, it will be his 800th appearance for United, although the landmark is not as important to him as adding to his trophy haul.

"It's an exciting season," he said. "I think it is going to go right to the wire, there's big game after big game now. That is what you want and need at a club like Manchester United."

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young picked up the Young Player of the Year award and believes it is a sign of the progress his club have made this season.

"It's a massive achievement for the club and my team-mates around me," Young said. "It's a great honour and I'm delighted."

Premier League team of the year: Van der Sar, G Johnson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, A Young, Gerrard, Giggs, Ronaldo, Anelka, Torres