The forward was crowned England Player of the Year in both 2008 and 2009

As we approach the final week of the England Player of the Year poll, we take a look back on Wayne Rooney’s back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2009.

The Manchester United star became the first striker to win the award when he pipped Gareth Barry and Theo Walcott to the prize.

And he maintained his international form over the subsequent 12 months to retain the trophy, after helping the Three Lions qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

On winning the award the first time, Rooney said: "I am absolutely delighted to win, especially as it has been voted for by the England fans.

“Having said that, it would not have been possible without the help and support of my England teammates, Fabio Capello and his coaching staff.”

In 2008 Rooney played in eight of England’s ten games, scoring five times – all in competitive matches.

The following year he played in nine internationals, scoring six goals, making himself an integral part of the key games that saw Capello’s men clinch qualification to the World Cup.

Scoring in crucial victories over Kazakhstan and Andorra, Rooney was also on target against Croatia in the crushing 5-1 victory that sealed England’s place in South Africa.

And Rooney ended 2009 on a high by captaining his country for the first time in the friendly with Brazil.