"I wasnt even in the squad for a good while, but it all went right when I had a run in the side. My confidence grew with each and every one of those games and theres no doubt that you learn more from playing than training, and you get better with every experience."

"Its the award you want, its from your fellow pros and thats such a unique compliment," he said.

"But you have to acknowledge your teammates and I did that at the presentation - you dont win awards like this without them.

"If you dont play with good players then you dont really stand out, so I see this as a tribute to everyone, really. Naturally, Im very happy to be the winner but it wouldnt have happened without all the rest of the lads and Im grateful to them for that."

Gareth Bale - PFA Player of the Year in the Premiership (English Premier League)