Scott Parker named England player of the year

Tottenham Hotspur's Scott Parker has been voted Vauxhall England Player of the Year by supporters.

The 31-year-old succeeds Ashley Cole in winning the accolade and the honour aids the prospects of the box-to-box midfielder captaining the national side at this summer's European Championships.

"It's a great honour," said Parker. "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."

Parker was sent off for Spurs yesterday in their 5-2 defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby.