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DARREN Gough was presented with £10,000 and an engraved glass trophy at a lunch in London yesterday, his reward for being judged the Cornhill Insurance England Player of the Year.

Speaking on behalf of the panel who assessed the performances of England players against South Africa last season and in the winter matches in Australia, the England coach, David Lloyd, said that it had taken ``no more than about 15 seconds'' to decide who the winner should be.

The citation spoke of Gough's ebullient performances against South Africa, his indefatigable spirit during an Ashes campaign which brought him 21 wickets, despite the abundance of dropped catches early in the series, and his aggressive and skilful bowling during the one-day series that followed.

Lloyd added: ``He's a big lad with a big smile and big pace; a team player, a people's player and he's highly respected by all international opposition. What's more, he'll get better: just ask him.''

Alec Stewart, Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Angus Fraser and Mark Ramprakash were the other players considered for the award, but Fraser ran out of steam in Australia after his success against the West Indies and South Africa and none of the batsmen were considered to be consistent enough.

It is the second time Gough has won the award, given annually by Cornhill. He also did so in 1994/95 after his successful start in Test cricket, particularly during a first tour of Australia.