YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Wayne Rooney has been voted the world young player of the year by his
peers.

The Manchester United striker collected the FIFPro award at a
ceremony in London attended by many of the world's top players.


Some 38,000 professional footballers voted in a secret ballot to
honour their peers and select a world XI.

They voted Barcelona star Ronaldinho as the top player of 2005.

Rooney failed to make the so-called "dream team" but was singled out
as the best young player.

"It is a great honour to be in the same room as so many great
players, and I would like to thank all the players who voted for me,"
Rooney said.

"It is a great honour to be spotted by your fellow professionals."