ALONSO PROUD OF .TV POLL

Xabi Alonso has spoken of his pride after fans on Liverpoolfc.tv voted him man of the match seven times this season - second only to Steven Gerrard. The Spanish playmaker may have missed out when annual gongs were dished out by the football writers and PFA, but Liverpool supporters recognise how good he has been.

"That's a nice tribute from the fans," said Alonso. "In most of our games, we often have a lot of contenders for man of the match.

"Normally it is the more spectacular attacking or goalscoring players who get the awards and so it is nice for me to be recognised and receive that treatment from the fans as well.

"This means it has been a complete season for me. I have felt good and feel I have been playing well too."