Former England manager Steve McClaren picks Steven Gerrard as his Player of the Year

Ex-England boss Steve McClaren reckons Steven Gerrard should claim the England Player of the Year award because he's the perfect role model for young players.

The FC Twente manager, who was at the Three Lions helm for 18 games during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, believes the Liverpool skipper deserves to be honoured at the inaugural FA England Awards at St. George;s Park on Sunday.

Gerrard played in 16 of McClaren's games in charge and also reached his half century of caps under the former Middlesbrough manager.

And McClaren says that the Liverpool skipper was one of the easiest players to work with.   

"Last year he was an integral part of England's progression through the group at Euro 2012," McClaren told TheFA.com.

"As the captain he was a huge influence and playing in the central role alongside Scott Parker he was very effective.

"You saw from him the kind of performances in an England shirt that we are well accustomed to over many years with Liverpool.

"His assists in the first two games showed his influence, but he's always been capable of that. He has a full range of passes, short and long, he can see it and he is always able to deliver it."

McClaren added: "From my time working with him as England Manager he was fantastic.

"There are some players who you need to spend a lot of time with, you need to reassure them, but Steven is probably one of the lowest maintenance players I have ever come across.

"He is quiet and unassuming, very professional and does his job to a very high standard, in many ways he is the perfect role model for young players.

"He was always supportive of his fellow players and that showed what a leader he was."

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.