Bale joy at PFA Player of the Year accolade

TOTTENHAM’S Gareth Bale was last night named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old has been in imperious form for Spurs in both the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League, becoming one of the most talked about players in the world in the process.

Bale beat six other players to the much-vaunted award and becomes the fourth Welshman to be honoured, following in the footsteps of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs.

“I am more than delighted,” he said. “It is a massive award and it is a great honour, especially from fellow professionals.

“When you look at the names that have won it and it just makes you go ‘wow’.”

Bale endured a tumultuous beginning to life at White Hart Lane following his move from Southampton, with his first year punctuated by injuries and an inability to secure a first-team starting spot.

However, the winger’s turnaround in fortunes has been nothing short of spectacular and he insists he never doubted his ability to reach the top.

“I think it is due to a bit of everything,” he added. “At the beginning I wasn’t playing much and I always believed in myself that if I did get a run in the team — which I eventually did — that I would be able to prove what I can do.

“That did happen and I kind of never really looked back from there.

“Playing in a good team with good players definitely helped me and all the boys have been fantastic, the manager has been fantastic, giving me my chance, and it is something I want to improve on.”

Bale was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but that award went to Jack Wilshere of Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has attracted plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his performances, during a campaign which has seen him establish himself as a key player for the England senior team.

“It is my first full season and it is a massive award, especially from my fellow players,” he said. “It is amazing.

“I am very proud to be the fifth recipient from Arsenal, it is good to keep this history going.

“Arsenal is a good club for bringing youngsters through and keep proving it so I’d like to thank the manager as well.”

Wilshere has long been considered one of the brightest talents to come through the Gunners’ youth system in recent years and this time last year was on loan at Bolton honing his talent. Now he is an integral member of Arsene Wenger’s side, showing skill and nous that belies his age.

“I am a bit surprised,” he said. “I always knew I could do but still it was a surprise how early it came.

“I have to keep it up now and hopefully we can win something this year.”

There were no Irish players in the Premier League’s team of the year but there were three representatives on the Championship team of the year, with goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, veteran defender Ian Harte and playmaker Wes Hoolahan all honoured.

Premier League Team of the Year: Van Der Sar (Man Utd), Sagna (Arsenal), Cole (Chelsea), Vidic (Man Utd), Kompany (Man City), Nani (Man Utd), Nasri (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal), Bale (Tottenham), Tevez (Man City), Berbatov (Man Utd).

Championship team: Kenny (QPR), Naughton (Leicester), Harte (Reading), Williams (Swansea), Morgan (Nottm Forest), Taarabt (QPR), Sinclair (Swansea), King (Leicester), Hoolahan (Norwich), Graham (Watford), Holt (Norwich).