EWOOD favourite Brad Friedel was last night officially crowned the best goalkeeper in the Premiership after he was named in the PFA's team of the year.

Friedel pipped Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini to the goalkeeper's spot on the back of a string of top performances for Rovers during the last nine months.

He could still make it a double early next month after being short-listed for the Barclaycard Golden Glove award as well.

Friedel currently tops the charts for the most clean sheets in the Premiership after helping Rovers to 14 shut-outs this term.

Friedel was the only Blackburn player to make the team and chief executive John Williams said he richly deserved his place.

"If anyone deserved it then it's Brad because he's been absolutely outstanding all season for us," said Williams.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was voted the PFA's player of the year and Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas scooped the young player award.

Former Ewood favourite Alan Shearer was also crowned the Premier League's Overall Player of the Decade.