Arsenal ace Patrick Vieira has been named Carling Player of the Year.
The award, for his consistency in the Gunners' midfield, makes up for his controversial omission from the shortlist for both the Football Writers' and the PFA's annual prize.
Vieira, who becomes the first Arsenal player to win the award, helped his side to second place in the Premiership as well as the FA Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
A statement from the Carling Awards Panel said: "Vieira has it all - skill on the ball, pace, and the ability to score and create goals.
"He has also been committed to the Arsenal cause throughout the season.
"He has dominated the midfield area in the Carling Premiership and has shown the rest of us how it should be done.
"Vieira is the central figure around which the Arsenal team works, he is the player that makes them tick. If he continues this form in the future he could well be made Arsenal's captain in seasons to come." PA