Monday 27 April 2015 23:48, UK
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Kane has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at Spurs, scoring 30 goals in all competitions – more than any other player in English football this term – at only 21 years of age.
He has gone from strength to strength in Mauricio Pochettino’s first season in charge at Tottenham, scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa on November 2 and his 20th just 23 games later against Newcastle on April 19.
His form, which has included a first Premier League hat-trick against Leicester, earned him a first senior England call up and he scored on his international debut against Lithuania on March 27.
Kane, who came through Tottenham’s youth ranks and was farmed out for loan stints at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester to gain first-team experience, was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
He finished ahead of Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, who was named Player of the Year, and Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho in the vote by his fellow professionals.
"It is amazing. It is a very proud moment for myself and my family – hopefully the first of many to come," Kane said of his award which he picked up during a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
"I have got to keep working hard, but to be recognised by your fellow players is something special and it is a night I won’t forget.
"It is incredible, an incredible feeling."
It is amazing. It is a very proud moment for myself and my family – hopefully the first of many to come.
Asked to sum up his season in one word, Kane went for: "Unreal."
Never doubting himself, had he been told 12 months ago this was his destiny, Kane said: "I'd have said let's do it - let's get it on.
"A lot has changed since then but I have always believed in my ability and have been waiting for a chance to express myself. I didn't think it would go as quickly as it has done but I have managed to ride the wave and the season has got better and better.
"I got the opportunity with the gaffer and I have really enjoyed my season so far - I have taken my chance and this is why we are here."
Kane has been the star of the Tottenham side, and said: "We have worked hard and I have worked hard to get to where we are now. It is going great and hopefully it is the start with more to come."
Asked for his favourite moment, Kane said: "Making my England debut and getting that goal - it was a very proud moment. It made it even more special.
"For a footballer, to represent their country is the pinnacle, and I'm very proud. I was able to do that and it was a moment I won't forget."
Meanwhile, Leah Williamson of Arsenal Ladies claimed the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award.
