Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring against West Ham

STEVEN GERRARD believes he has to share his success in winning the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award with manager Rafael Benitez and his team-mates.

The 28-year-old beat Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs – the recently-crowned PFA Player of the Year – and Wayne Rooney to the accolade.

Gerrard has been on top form this season, scoring 23 goals so far, 15 of which have come in the Premier League to help sustain Liverpool’s title challenge with Manchester United.

However, the England midfielder said much credit had to go to the club’s backroom staff and playing squad for helping him perform to the maximum on a regular basis.

“I’m delighted but I’m a little bit surprised,” he said.

“When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it’s a great privilege to win this kind of award.

“It’s not just the Manchester United players.

“When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.

“The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.

“But I’ve had fantastic help along the way from everyone at this football club.