CONNOR Wickham has expressed his “surprise” and “delight” at scooping two trophies at last night’s Football League Awards Ceremony, held at The Brewery in London.

CONNOR Wickham has expressed his “surprise” and “delight” at scooping two trophies at last night’s Football League Awards Ceremony, held at The Brewery in London.

The Ipswich Town teenager was named both the Football League’s Young Player of the Year, and also crowned the Championship’s Apprentice Player of the Year, to seal a memorable double.

“To walk away with two awards is absolutely amazing,” enthused Wickham last night.

“I’m surprised and delighted, and of course very grateful. It’s been a great last few weeks for me.

“I reckon I will have to buy my mum and dad a new mantelpiece to put all my trophies on!” joked Wickham.

Town boss Paul Jewell was one of the first to send his congratulations to his young striker.

“Congratulations to Connor, we’re obviously delighted for him,” said Jewell.

“We know about his potential and it’s further evidence of the progress he is making. Let’s hope the awards he has received lately are the first of many for him.

“It’s important that he continues to keep his feet on the ground and we have a part to play in that. He’s a very level-headed lad, though, and he knows that he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.”

In the League’s Young Player of the Year category, Wickham had been short-listed alongside Norwich City’s Henri Lansbury, who is on loan with the Canaries from Arsenal for the season, and also Watford midfielder Will Buckley, who had played in the Hornets’ recent 3-0 win at Portman Road.

The double awards victory is an early birthday present for Wickham, who turns 18 at the end of this month.

Last night’s two trophies completed a hat-trick of accolades for Wickham, who had recently won the Championship Player of the Month for February.

Wickham played up front on his own during Town’s 2-0 home win over struggling Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

After a very quiet first half of the season, under former manager Roy Keane, the talented teenager has really come to the fore under new boss Paul Jewell.

He had only played one full 90 minutes before the turn of the year, but has now started Town’s last 18 games, and contributed six goals. Town do not have another game for two weeks, due to a break for internationals, but there will be no rest for Wickham.

The former Academy star is in the England Under-21 squad for two forthcoming international friendlies away against Denmark (this Thursday) and at home to Iceland on Monday, March 28 at Preston’s Deepdale.