Footballer of the Year Gerrard praises team

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has paid tribute to the people who had helped him become 2009 Footballer of the Year - and declared the best was still to come.

The England midfielder, who turns 29 today, was honoured at a gala dinner in London last night by the Football Writers' Association after he topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade.