Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been voted the 2010 Footballer of the Year by the English Football Writers' Association (FWA), adding to the PFA award he picked up last Sunday.

Wayne Rooney has enjoyed his most prolific season as a professional, netting 34 goals in 42 games for Manchester United

Rooney was picked as the best player in England this season by his fellow professionals and now the FWA gong joins his growing collection of individual accolades, after the England star topped the poll of journalists with 81% of a record number of votes cast.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez were behind Rooney in the poll, which has been running since 1948.

Rooney - who has led United's challenge for silverware this season with 34 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions - will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at The Lancaster London Hotel on May 13.

After hearing of the award, Rooney was once again quick to praise the impact that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has had on his career.

"I am delighted to win an award with so much history and tradition and to follow a long line of wonderful players who have been honoured by the Football Writers' Association since 1948 gives me real pride,'' Rooney said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching staff and my team-mates, without whose help and support this award would not have been possible. Also a big thanks to my family and friends for their constant support which is always appreciated.

"I thank the Football Writers' Association members who voted for me and I look forward to personally collecting my award at the Footballer of the Year dinner in London on May 13.''

FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer for the People, said: "Wayne is a worthy winner of our prestigious award and the margin of his victory is testimony to the marvellous season he has had for club and country.

"His tally of 34 goals so far this season is certain to have captured the attention of our members, but I am sure the overall improvement in his game at Manchester United has been of equal significance.

"Wayne's enthusiasm, hunger and desire mark him out as a special player and we hope he can carry his club form onto the international stage in the World Cup this summer to help England achieve their dream. We now look forward to saluting Wayne at our dinner.''

Rooney becomes the 13th player to win the double of PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards, with both former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry scooping the double on two separate occasions.