As reported. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has claimed the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award. It is the first time the 25-year-old has been named player of the year by his peers, although he was Young Player of the Year in 2001. Gerrard, who a day earlier helped Liverpool win their FA Cup semi-final, said: 'I am still in shock.

'To go through to another FA Cup final and win this special award in the same weekend is fantastic for me.'