LONDON, February 27, 2012 (AFP) - Spurs midfielder Scott Parker collected his second award in a year on Monday when he was voted England player of the year by the national side's fans.
The 31-year-old - who was named Football Writer's Player of the Year for 2010/11 even in a season that saw his then club West Ham relegated from the Premier League - succeeds Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole.
Parker took 17 per cent of the 15,000 votes cast, with Joe Hart second and Ashley Young third, the FA confirmed on their website.
Parker, who shone early in his career at Charlton and was named young player of the year for the 2003/04 season, made his international breakthrough in the past year as then coach Fabio Capello played him in seven of their nine games to take him to 10 caps in all.
Parker - who missed out on the 2010 World Cup after Capello left him out of the final squad without having played him in either of the warm-up matches - has become so integral to the side that he is being talked about as a rival to Steven Gerrard for the captaincy.
Whoever it is will face their first test on Wednesday against World Cup finalists Holland.
"It's a great honour," said Parker of the award.
"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."
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