The 27-year-old midfielder, who has scored 13 goals this season to help put the Magpies on course for an immediate return to the top flight, beat off stiff competition from West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans in second and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp in third.

Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford won the League One award for the second time, while Rochdale's Craig Dawson was named the best player in League Two.

Beckford has scored 27 goals for Leeds this season, following on from the 34 he netted last time out, to cement his position as one of the hottest properties in the lower leagues.

Defender Dawson has won numerous plaudits for the role he has played in putting Rochdale on course for a first promotion since 1969.

Crystal Palace's 18-year-old defender Nathaniel Clyne scooped the Young Player award ahead of Nottingham Forest's Paul Anderson and Southampton winger Adam Lallana.

There were also Apprentice of the Year awards for Adam Matthews (Cardiff), Tom Adeyemi (Norwich) and Kyle Haynes (Cheltenham), while PFA chief Gordon Taylor was handed the Contribution to League Football accolade.

Commenting on all the winners, outgoing Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "Once again these awards have given us the opportunity to honour those clubs and individuals whose commitment to the game or their local community goes beyond the call of duty.

"The fifth Football League Awards have been an enormous success and I congratulate all the winners on their achievements."