Glen Johnson is Kevin Keeegan's England Player of 2012

Kevin Keegan has picked Glen Johnson as his England Player of 2012.

The former Three Lions boss believes Johnson has been his country’s most consistent performer over the last 12 months.

The right-back featured nine times for England last year, including all four matches at Euro 2012 where his crucial late block from Antonio Nocerino helped take the quarter final with Italy into extra-time.

He also made an important contribution on the opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova in September, setting up Frank Lampard to make it 2-0.

Johnson’s performances handed him a place on a five-man shortlist for the England Player of the Year Award, alongside Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Ashley Cole and Danny Welbeck, and the winner will be announced at St. George’s Park on Sunday night.

And Keegan, who led England to the Euro 2000 Finals, says Johnson deserves the accolade.

He explained: “I know I am ex-Liverpool as a player, but not for those reasons I would go for Glen. This year he has been a model of consistency for me and he just edges it over Joe Hart.

“This year Glen has matured and he looks the part, he looks very comfortable playing at that level which is not always easy to do. He's definitely been consistent and he's made a major contribution from his position.

Keegan continued: “It's a good list. All five players have done themselves proud, and there's not much between them if I'm honest. “But Glen thoroughly deserves it for me and would be the one I would choose.

“You could get carried away with nostalgia for Steven [Gerrard] getting 100 caps last year, and I obviously gave him his debut for England, but Glen just edges it for me ahead of Steven and Joe."

The winner of England's Player Of The Year for 2012 will be announced at the England Awards 2013, held at St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February