Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been voted 2009 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The 28-year-old England international topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade, which has been running since 1948.

Gerrard, who has led the Reds' challenge to United for the Barclays Premier League title, will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 29.

Chairman of the FWA, Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: "Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.

"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."

"I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised," said Gerrard.

"When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.

"It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.

"The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.

"But I've had fantastic help along the way from everyone at this football club.

"My family and friends come every time I play and everything I achieve in football they are a very big part of that because they are there for me 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"But the biggest thank yous have to go to the manager, the coaching staff and my team-mates.

"Individual awards are great but you don't win them without great help from those people."

Gerrard added: "It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.

"Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans."

Reds boss Rafa Benitez paid tribute to Gerrard.

He said: “It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players."

"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved.

"He has scored 24 goals for our team already this season and clearly he has had another fantastic season.

"Everyone at the club is delighted that he has been given this award.

"When Steven was told that he was the winner the first thing he said to me was thanks to the staff and thanks to his team-mates.

"This is a very positive reaction and shows how much Steven is part of a team."