Veteran Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham was given a second vote of confidence in seven days as he was awarded the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year prize tonight.
While the 35-year-old England veteran added this award to the journalists one he received last week there was some pause for thought for the England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was present at the dinner.
Only three players eligible to play for the national side made the team of the season chosen by all the Premiership players.
Chief among the absentees was Eriksson's captain David Beckham while his Manchester United club captain Roy Keane did make the XI.
Sheringham, whose 21 goals helped Alex Ferguson's men to the Premiership title in record time, picked up the football writers' prize last week, but will find a special place in his heart for this award as he is the oldest player yet to receive it.
He beat Keane and Arsenal's Thierry Henry, who came in second and third respectively.
Sheringham, who is still to agree a new contract with United, received his award from Britain's greatest Olympian, rower Sir Steve Redgrave.
"This is the biggest personal award you can get in the game," the former Millwall and Spurs marksman said.
"I first came to this dinner at 17 or 18 when I'd just started playing for Millwall and you think one day you are going to be up there.
"I'm here now and it's a great honour to be recognised by your fellow professionals.
"It's a great list of previous winners and it's one of those things you will look back on in years to come," he added.
A trio of France internationals were featured in the Premiership team of the season chosen by Premiership members of the PFA.
Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira and Henry together with charismatic Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez made it into the line-up though therewas no place for any member of the Leeds United team that have reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal's Brazilian fullback Silvinho made it into the team despite being second choice at the club at the moment behind Ashley Cole.
Joining Sheringham and Keane, from the Old Trafford ranks, among the PFA team of the year were Brown, Barthez, Jaap Stam and Ryan Giggs.
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard claimed the young player of the year award with West Ham's Joe Cole runner-up and another Manchester United playerWes Brown in third.
Meanwhile Jimmy Hill, who has served football as player, manager, chairman, administrator and media pundit, was presented with the merit awardby former Fulham teammate and England 1966 World Cup-winning full back George Cohen to mark the 40th anniversary of his successful campaignto remove a maximum wage for players in England.
PFA Premiership XI:Fabien Barthez (Man Utd/Fra), Stephen Carr (Tottenham/Irl), Silvinho (Arsenal/Bra), Jaap Stam (Manchester United/Ned), WesBrown (Manchester United/Eng), Roy Keane (Manchester United/Irl), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United/Wal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool/Eng), PatrickVieira (Arsenal/Fra), Thierry Henry (Arsenal/Fra), Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United/Eng) -AFP