Rooney takes youngster award

Man Utd's Wayne Rooney has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

The Manchester United star was nominated last year but has taken his talent onto another level this season as he has revelled under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson after his summer move from Everton.

In claiming 10 league goals he has become The Red Devil's key front man, and displayed his predilection for the spectacular with a sensational volley against Newcastle on Sunday.

After a tremendous Euro 2004 in which he claimed four goals for England the 19-year-old made a deep impression on his United debut as he grabbed a UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Fenerbahce.

Star turns throughout the year have marked Rooney's progression from a precociously talented youngster to a consistently superb performer, and he has been recognised by his fellow professionals at an awards dinner in London on Sunday night.

Rooney expressed his delight at receiving the accolade, and set out his intentions to claim silverware with United.

"Obviously for any footballer to receive any award is a great achievement, and especially so when it is one voted for by all your fellow professionals," said Rooney.

"As a footballer, you are always looking to improve and learn from the people around you.

"If I keep learning and my feet on the ground, then hopefully I can start winning more trophies."

Rooney's team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo was also nominated for the award that was won last year by Scott Parker, along with Chelsea winger Arjen Robben.

The nominees list also recognised three players who have broken into the England setup in recent times, with Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Philips and Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing also shortlisted.