James Beattie Southampton and England striker

Henry and Beattie have each scored 22 league goals

I was pleased to see Thierry Henry win the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year award.

I voted for him simply because I think he's the best player around at the moment.

As we go head-to-head for the Golden Boot, we'll be lining up on opposite sides twice before the end of the season, including of course, the FA Cup final.

His speed is unbelievable and he's a joy to watch, although the lads who play at the back might not agree with that!

I was honoured to be included on the PFA shortlist.

To be recognised by your peers is a recognition of what you've achieved and is something special.

I also voted for Jermaine Jenas as the young Player of the Year.

He's a young guy with a lot of talent and has the makings of great player.

I do enjoy cricket but I wouldn't want to do anything that might bring a risk of injury

In between training I'm hoping to watch a bit of cricket.

I've always been a big cricket fan - Lancashire, of course, although I know a few of the Hampshire lads so I follow them as well.

Without blowing my own trumpet, I was a pretty good cricketer at school.

Professional sportsmen are normally good at other sports, probably because they've got natural hand-eye coordination.

Quite a few cricketers have played football to at least a high non-league standard, and some were good enough that they had to make a choice between football and cricket.

It was never a choice for me, because football always came first.

But I was good enough as a lad to play for Lancashire colts, where I played with Andrew Flintoff, who wasn't a bad player, even back then!

I batted, bowled and kept wicket, so I don't suppose you can get much more of an all-rounder than that.

I can't remember what my best bowling figures were, but I do remember hitting 78 off 40 balls in the Lancashire schools cup semi-final.

I used to play for Cherry Tree Cricket Club in Blackburn, mainly because they were just across the road from me.

I also played in Matthew Le Tissier's testimonial game last summer against the Hampshire boys at the Rose Bowl, and opened the batting for our team with Mark Butcher, which was a real pleasure.

The highlight of my day was a drive through the covers for four off Alan Mullally. I enjoyed it, although he might not have!

Jason Dodd, who is not a bad player, manages to turn out for a club side during the summer and I've been asked to play by a couple of clubs.

It's a nice thought and I do enjoy cricket, but I wouldn't want to do anything that might bring a risk of injury.