West Ham's Joe Cole was runner-up and another Manchester United player Wes Brown was in third.

Sheringham, who received his award from Britain's greatest Olympian, rower Sir Steve Redgrave, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, described the award as the “biggest personal award you can get in the game”. He said: “I first came to this dinner at 17 or 18 when I'd just started playing for Millwall and you think one day you are going to be up there. I'm here now and it's a great honour to be recognised by your fellow professionals. It's a great list of previous winners and it's one of those things you will look back on in years to come. It's the biggest personal award you can get in the game and it's something that you really cherish.”

Sheringham has yet to agree a new contract at Old Trafford, although the Premiership champions are keen for him to sign a one-year deal. The former Tottenham forward maintains the recent tradition of players claiming the two most prestigious domestic player of the year awards, following Keane's double 12 months ago and David Ginola's PFA and football writers' accolades the year before. Sheringham's 21 goals - all but six have come in the league - helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men to the Premiership title in record time.

Joining Sheringham and Keane, from the Old Trafford ranks, among the PFA team of the year were Brown, Fabien Barthez, Jaap Stam and Ryan Giggs. However, there was no place for England captain David Beckham in the XI selected by his fellow professionals with Gerrard and Patrick Vieira of Arsenal completing the midfield quartet.

Of Sheringham, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “It's a fitting testimony to the fact that there is no substitute for skill and ability regardless of age.” Gerrard was handed his trophy by England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who no doubt views the 20-year-old midfielder as integral to his future plans.

Gerrard said: “I was in contention for the award last year and I really wanted to win it this year. I'm pleased that I have because it was a very good shortlist and there are some very good young players around.”

Taylor added: “I think he has had an outstanding season. I am sure every England supporter will keep their fingers crossed he remains injury-free.” Premiership top scorer Marcus Stewart, Liverpool's Emile Heskey - who also missed out on the young player award - and Giggs were the others that made the short-list.

Michael Carrick of West Ham and another young England hopeful, Leeds' Alan Smith, made up the sextet for the junior prize. Meanwhile Jimmy Hill, who has served football as player, manager, chairman, administrator and media pundit, was presented with the merit award by former England player George Cohen to mark the 40th anniversary of his successful campaign to remove a maximum wage for players. Hill joins an illustrious group with greats such as Sir Stanley Matthews, Nat Lofthouse, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley winners in the past.    Back