Liverpool's Reina wins Premier League golden gloves award

Reina's performances put him ahead of Manchester United's Dutch keeper Edwin Van der Sar (18) and last year's winner Czech Petr Cech of champions Chelsea (17).

American Brad Friedel of Blackburn Rovers and German Jens Lehmanof Arsenal (both 16) completed the top five.

The 23-year-old Reina, who joined Liverpool last July from Villarreal for six million pounds, made 33 league appearances after replacing Jerzy Dudek as first choice.

Reina helped Liverpool reach the Champions League first knockout round, where they were eliminated by Benfica, and the FA Cup final, which they play against West Ham United on Saturday.

They also finished third in the Premier League with 82 points to secure a Champions League qualifying place.

"He (Reina) has used this season as a springboard on to the international scene and has seen off the challenge of some world class players to keep the most clean sheets," said Matt Appleby of Barclays, whose company makes the award.

Reina began his career with Barcelona and made his debut for the Catalan side aged 18. He was on the losing side against Liverpool in the 2001 UEFA Cup semi-final.

11:06 - 2006-May-11 - post comment