Parker named player of the year

The award, voted for by England fans, follows a year when Parker cemented his place in the national side, featuring in seven of their nine games, during which time he has suddenly become one of the most important components.

Indeed, behind Steven Gerrard, the 31-year-old - who was sent off in Sunday's North London derby defeat at Arsenal - is currently second favourite to succeed John Terry as Three Lions skipper.

Parker succeeds Ashley Cole in winning the award and confirmed how proud he felt at the accolade.

"It's a great honour," he said. "Just looking at the names that are on the trophy, it's quite an achievement. It's a proud moment for me, I'm delighted.

"When you feel the fans are appreciating what you've done, it's extra special. It's been a good year for me at international level so I'm delighted the fans have picked me."

Impact

Parker took 17 per cent of the 15,000 votes cast, with Joe Hart second and Ashley Young third, the FA confirmed on its website.

Ignored for so long, Parker suffered the ignominy of being axed from Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad without playing in either of the two warm-up games against Mexico and Japan.

So, when he was introduced as a half-time substitute in the friendly against Denmark just over 12 months ago, he realised it was probably his last chance.

His impact was so great he started the vital Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Wales a month later, since when he has never looked back.

"I don't think I ever lost hope that I could make it at international level," he said. "I crammed in a lot in one year. I realised time was ticking.

"The Denmark game was pivotal. I came on for 45 minutes and then I got a start against Wales in a big game [and that] was massive for me. I played in [midfield] with Jack [Wilshere] and Frank [Lampard] and we got a great result. It ended up being a great game.

Exciting

"From there I played a lot more games. It was a very exciting year for me internationally and I'm looking forward to more action.

"It's a proud moment every time I pull on the England shirt. It's something I've always wanted to do, whenever I was playing outside, whenever I was playing at the park with my mates it was always England you try to emulate and try to be."

Parker singles out Wilshere as someone who had a good 2011, although the midfielder's injury problems derailed him in the summer.

However, Parker believes goalkeeper Hart has the greatest reason to be aggrieved that he won the award.

"Joe Hart stood out," he said. "He's a fantastic 'keeper and he has done exceptionally well.

"I'm sure he [Wilshere] will be a future winner but Joe Hart stands out as a player who has done really well."

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