Jockey delighted with Gerrard award

The Reds number eight beat off stiff competition from Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to become the first Anfield player to scoop the gong since John Barnes back in 1990.

Hansen believes Gerrard fully deserves the honour, but admits he is not surprised the excellent form of the 28-year-old has been rewarded.

"Steven Gerrard was rightly named FWA Player of the Year this week after a fantastic season for Liverpool," said 'Jockey', who made 350 appearances for the Reds.

"For the past 8 or 9 years the lad has played to an unbelievably high standard week in, week out and this season has been no exception.

"This award is rarely given to a player who is not part of a title winning team. Therefore, it’s no real surprise that Stevie is the first Liverpool player to win the award since my old mate John Barnes picked up the trophy in 1990.

"John pipped me to the prize by one vote that year which illustrates the dominance Liverpool had at that time. As you’d expect between 1973 and 1990 there were plenty of winners from Anfield.

"Those who are saying it’s a mistake that Steven has won the award because Liverpool are unlikely to win anything surely hasn’t watched him play this season.

"He gives everything in every game and his importance to Liverpool cannot be measured. His enthusiasm, energy, goals and quality mark him out as a worthy winner. After all, he has been there or thereabouts for a very long time."

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