ALAN SHEARER last night became only the second footballer to be named Players' Player of Year twice in his career.

The Newcastle and England striker picked up the award at the PFA dinner in London last night and joins Mark Hughes in the elite club of players who have won the award twice.

Manchester United's David Beckham was named the PFA Young Player of the Year, and also came second behind Shearer in the senior award.

Arsenal's striker Ian Wright, who has had a recent revival to his England career, came third in the awards, which are voted on by all professional footballers.

The award for Shearer comes as no real surprise, following his heroics in Euro '96 with England followed by a stunning first season with Newcastle, for whom he has scored 24 goals, 21 of them coming in the Premiership.

Beckham's award too was expected. He has become an England regular under Glenn Hoddle and has scored several spectacular goals this season, including lobbing Wimbledon's goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from inside his own half.

There was also a special merit award for Peter Beardsley for services to football.