TOTTENHAM‘S GARETH Bale has been named as the English Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old has been in imperious form for Spurs in both the Premier League and Champions League this campaign, becoming one of the most talked about players in the world in the process.

Bale beat six other players to the much-vaunted award and becomes the fourth Welshman to be honoured, following in the footsteps of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs.

“I am more than delighted really,” he said. “It is a massive award and it is a great honour to receive, especially from other fellow professionals. It is a honour really when you look at the names that have won it before and it just makes you go ‘wow’ really.

“There haven’t been too many Welshman to have won the trophy but it is great and it is great for me personally. And it is not just for me, it is for all my team-mates that have helped me through the season and it is kind of for everyone really.”

Bale was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but that award went to Jack Wilshere of Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has attracted plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his performances this season, during a campaign which has seen him establish himself as a key player for the England senior team.

Everton’s Republic of Ireland international Séamus Coleman was also in the running for the Young Player award.

PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Van Der Sar (Man Utd), Sagna (Arsenal), Cole (Chelsea), Vidic (Man Utd), Kompany (Man City), Nani (Manchester Utd), Nasri (Arsenal), Wilshere (Arsenal), Bale (Tottenham), Tevez (Man City), Berbatov (Man Utd).