Gareth Bale becomes first player to win Welsh player award for a fourth time

Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the winner away to Andorra

Gareth Bale has become the first player to be voted Welsh footballer of the year for a fourth time.

The Real Madrid forward retained the trophy - which he has now won four times in the last five years - at the FAW awards dinner at Cardiff's St David's Hotel to cap a year which saw him win the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Copa del Rey for Real, while his performances for Wales also caught the eye.

The former Tottenham man scored both goals in Wales' opening Euro 2016 qualifier last month, a 2-1 win in Andorra, and he has 10 goals in his last 11 internationals.

Bale also picked up the Vauxhall fans' player of the year trophy for the fourth year in succession.

Both Mark Hughes and John Hartson individually received the Football Association of Wales award on three occasions.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies was named young player of the year while Swansea skipper Ashley Williams was again rewarded for his form at the the Liberty Stadium by winning the club player of the year award for the fourth straight year.

Wales captain Jess Fishlock also retained her crown as women's player of the year for the fourth time in succession.

Angharad James was named young player of the year and Cardiff City's Michelle Green, who made her Wales debut in 2001 and has won 95 caps, was recognised as the club player of the year.

Scott Ruscoe was named Welsh Premier clubman of the year after making over 250 appearances for The New Saints since joining them 14 years ago.

Two FAW long service awards were made with former Wales skipper Kevin Ratcliffe taking the accolade for the men's game and Swansea City Ladies secretary Julie Lowe for the women's game.