Uzbekistan's Djeparov named Asian Player of the Year

Uzbekistan midfielder Server Djeparov was named 2008 Asian Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Djeparov, who plays for Bunyodkor, finished ahead of Yasuhito Endo and prevented Japan's 2008 Asian Champions League winners Gamba Osaka completing a hat-trick of awards.

Gamba's successful Champions League campaign saw the J League side named 2008 Asian Team of the Year while their long-serving manager Akira Nishino was Coach of the Year.

Japan were National Team of the Year after an impressive 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign so far, while the Japan FA was honoured with the AFC Fair Play Association of the Year.