Sunderland defender Danny Collins has been voted the club's Player of the Year by Black Cats supporters.The 27-year-old, who has made the left-back spot his own this season after briefly losing his place in to Ian Harte, was presented with his award by the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association on Wednesday night.

Collins told the Sunderland Echo: "It's not something you expect in all honesty, especially given my position on the pitch.

"It's usually the strikers who get the glory because they get the goals. Central midfielders and wingers also catch the eye and then it's centre-halves and goalkeepers who attract the attention.

"It's not often full-backs get much recognition but that makes the award all the more special to me and I would like to thank Sunderland fans for choosing me this season.

"I have worked very hard on my game to try and prove I can be a Premier League defender and I am thrilled that Sunderland supporters have recognised my efforts."

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