Parker named England´s best

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has been voted England Player of the Year.

Parker topped a poll on the FA’s website with 17 per cent of the 15,000 votes cast by England fans.

The midfielder, who has been tipped to succeed John Terry as England captain, beat off competition from goalkeeper Joe Hart who came second, and winger Ashley Young who was third.

“It’s a great honour. Just looking at the names that are on the trophy it’s quite an achievement. It’s a proud moment for me,” Parker told the FA’s official website.

“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.”

At 31, Parker has only 10 caps to his name after being overlooked for the majority of his career. Despite his lack of involvement with the national side however, the midfielder insists he always stayed positive regarding his selection.

“I don’t think I ever lost hope that I could make it at international level,” he said.

“I probably crammed in a lot in one year, because it’s only been this year that I have got in the side and probably established myself in the squad.”

“I never lost hope, I realised time was ticking and I’m pleased the year’s gone the way it has.”

“The Denmark game was pivotal for me. 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 for me.”

One of Parker’s key performances for England came during the 1-0 friendly win against Spain in November and the midfielder believes the result against the World Cup holders was one of the best of last year.

“It was very pleasing, and for me personally; I played quite well and it was quite humbling to leave Wembley to a standing ovation. That was a bit surreal,” he said.

“That was probably one of the standout games of 2011 and the Wales game. It was my first start in the qualifying campaign, it was a massive game for me personally and a big game as a team and we got a great result.”

“It was a very tough game which we all knew it would be. They are a very, very good team who put us under a lot of pressure, but ultimately we got a goal and we got the win.”