Barnes backs Gerrard

Last updated : 29 April 2009 By Al Campbell
Gerrard made the shortlist but it was Man Utd's Ryan Giggs who actually won the award on Sunday. John Barnes believes the Liverpool captain was a more deserving winner.

"The PFA Awards were handed out this week and I was surprised to see that Ryan Giggs had won the Player of the Year award," said the ex-Red and PFA Player of the Year for 1988.

"Now don't get me wrong, Ryan is a great ambassador for the game, a great player and a nice guy too and I think what he's achieved deserves to be recognised.

"However, this is an award judged on the performance of this season and for me, Steven Gerrard should have won it.

"In reality Steven has been the best player in the Premier League this season and deserved the award.

"He continues to drive Liverpool forward year on year and while Giggs has performed well, he has only made 12 Premier League starts for United which suggests he is not even first choice at Old Trafford.

"I can't say I agree with the decision but good luck to Ryan for winning the award. It's just a shame after so many great seasons at Old Trafford that he's won the award in a year when he's not played more of a key role for Manchester United."