Gareth Bale named Welsh player of the year for record fifth time

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been crowned Welsh player of the year for a record fifth time.

Bale won the award after being involved in eight of Wales' nine goals in their European qualifying campaign, having scored six goals and provided two assists.

The 26-year-old was also named players' player of the year and fans' player of the year at a Cardiff ceremony.

"Look at the last year and he's scored some incredible goals for us," said Wales manager Chris Coleman, who won a special media choice award.

"All the players have done fantastic, but in my book he deserves it because of what he's done in this campaign."

Other FAW 25th Year award winners included Alan Curtis (FAW long service award), Tommy O'Sullivan (young player of the year) and Kylie Davies (women's player of the year).

Wales are on the brink of qualifying for their first major tournament in 58 years with one point needed from their final two qualifiers this week, Bosnia-Herzegovina away and Andorra at home, to make it to France next summer.