Liverpool: Reds Duo Win FA Awards

Liverpool midfielders Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson were amongst the winners at the first ever FA England Awards last night...

Sunday evening saw the inaugural FA England Awards take place at the National Football Centre, St. George's Park, near Burton-Upon-Trent.

In total there were 11 awards from across all of Club England's 24 teams up for grabs as the FA looked to recognise those who had a successful time in 2012.

The headline award of Men's Player of the Year went to Reds skipper Steven Gerrard who chalked up his 100th appearance for England during the past 12 months.

The 32-year-old received over 40% of the votes to beat Manchester United's Danny Welbeck and Ashley Cole of Chelsea to the award.

Gerrard, who was also recently honoured by the Football Writers' Association, played on 11 occasions for the Three Lions during 2012 and led from the front by captaining the side in 10 of those 11 matches.

England manager Roy Hodgson commented: "In Steven the younger players can look at someone who has 100 caps, and they must think 'goodness me, he started at the same age I am, but he's still here 14 years later' and what a career he's had.

"In Steven's case he has a great enthusiasm and passion to play, and that can be infectious to other players. The other thing about Steven is that he is not a player who can be pigeon-holed, he is an all round midfielder capable of contributing right across the pitch from defence to attack.

"I can see him playing for many years to come."

Gerrard's clubmate Jordan Henderson made it a double celebration for the Reds by winning the Under-21s Player of the Year award, pipping yet another Liverpool player in Martin Kelly to the prize.

The midfielder was instrumental as Stuart Pearce's side clinched qualification for Euro 2013 and, according to the Pearce, he was fully deserving of the honour.

"He's very valuable to our group and puts the team before himself every time. He deserves every success as he works so hard," explained the former England left-back to TheFA.com.

"Jordan's been pivotal in pushing us towards the Euros in the summer."

Both players are likely to be in action for England again this week with the pair amongst a number of Liverpool players called up for international duty.

The full list of award winners
Men's youth player of the year - Nathaniel Chalobah
Women's youth player of the year - Alex Greenwood
Women's Under-23 player of the year - Toni Duggan
Disability player of the year - Imbrahima Diallo
England 'C' player of the year - Jamie Turley
Club England team of the year - England Women's Team
Men's Under-21 player of the year - Jordan Henderson
Lifetime achievement award - David Clarke, England and Team GB Blind Team
Senior women's player of the year - Stephanie Houghton
Senior men's player of the year - Steven Gerrard

Vital Verdict
Everyone at Vital Liverpool would like to send their congratulations to Gerrard and Henderson and all the other winners at what was a special night for everyone connected with football in this country.

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