Healy helped Northern Ireland climb to the top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group scoring nine goals already in the campaign.

He shrugged off indifferent form at club level - Leeds were relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship - to become a vastly influential figure on the international stage.

Healy, 28, has amassed 29 goals in 56 internationals, which is all the more remarkable considering Northern Ireland once went 1,298 minutes without scoring.

Motherwell defender Craigan has been a rock at the back for Northern Ireland while Evans showed his growing maturity by helping Sunderland achieve promotion following a loan move from Manchester United.

However, Northern Ireland will go into the second half of the campaign with a new manager after Lawrie Sanchez's departure to Fulham.

Linfield boss David Jeffrey, meanwhile, was celebrating after being named manager of the year after leading his side to an Irish league and Cup double. He edged out Cliftonville's Eddie Patterson and Harry Fay of Dungannon.

The Belfast club chalked up a double as well with William Murphy the footballer of the year. Team-mate Paul McAreavey and Gary Hamilton of Glentoran were also nominated.

The young player of the year prize went to Celtic-bound striker Mark McAllister of Dungannon Swifts with Thomas Stewart (Linfield) and Chris Keenan (Larne) also in the running.

There was also a merit award for veteran Crusaders defender Jeff Spiers.