Kilbane wins Irish award

Kevin Kilbane has been named Republic of Ireland's international Player of the Year.

The Everton midfielder beat Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to the top prize at The FAI awards.

Kilbane probably enjoyed his best year in the green shirt last year with a number of impressive performances.

The 28-year-old has shifted to a central midfield role and he has helped Ireland make a good start to their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Kilbane admitted it was a massive honour for him to win the award.

"It's been a massive year for me personally, but the other two on the short-list had great years as well," Kilbane told Sky Sports News.

"I'm lost for words to be honest with you and I'm just delighted.

"We need to maintain the standards we set ourselves and see where it takes us.

"We believe we can be in the right form and show the right spirit to take us to the World Cup."

Tottenham new boy Andy Reid was a landslide winner of the Young Player award after making an instant impact on the international scene over the last 12 months.

Reid was delighted to end a successful last few days for him with a personal accolade.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have been nominated in the first place and to win it is absolutely brilliant," said Reid.

"It is something for me, my family and everyone I've ever been in contact with in football to be proud of."