Unlucky Phil Jagielka may be out of the FA Cup final but some compensation came when he picked up an awards double last night. The 26-year-old Everton defender was named as the Players' player of the year and the Supporters' player of the year at the club's annual awards dinner.

The event, at Liverpool's St George's Hall, marked one of the most successful seasons for the club since they last reached a Wembley final in 1995. Jagielka has played a major part in the club's fine season and also forced his way into the England squad.

His penalty was the winner in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out against Manchester United, but in the club's next game the Manchester-born central defender fell awkwardly and damaged knee ligaments. He has since had an operation and hopes to be back for next season, but will miss out on the FA Cup final on 30 May against Chelsea.

It was shattering to realise I would miss the final, but everybody has been outstanding trying to help me,
Everton defender Phil Jagielka.

Jagielka, who admitted to "crying his eyes out" when he realised he would miss out on Wembley, said: "There are two ways to deal with this. You can either be grumpy for six months or you can try to get on with life with as much lightheartedness as possible. That's what I am trying to do. It was shattering to realise I would miss the final, but everybody has been outstanding trying to help me."

He added: "It has been a whirlwind 18 months at the club, and I would have loved to finish it off with the final. But hopefully I will come back as good as before. People say it makes you a stronger character and to have the fans behind me wanting me to get back has meant the world to me. I've got great people around me. My family, friends, the players and staff at the club and the manager. Everyone is wishing me a speedy recovery."

Jagielka added: "I'm not sure how I will feel putting on a suit and going with the lads to Wembley to watch the final. But I have played a decent part in getting us there and now I hope the rest of the lads will take us over the finishing line."