Chris Wood's season continues to get better and better after the 17-year-old was awarded the Nike Young Men's Player of the Year Award at the 2008 New Zealand Football Awards in Auckland today.
The Auckland born front-man became only the fifth Kiwi to grace the Premier League when he made his debut at Fratton Park barely a fortnight ago after impressing for the academy and reserves.
Wood, who played for the second-string during against Aston Villa last night, was unable to collect his award but thanked both Tony Mowbray and his family in particular for his sudden rise from Under-18s football.
"This is a great honour for me and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me and for all the support I've received from back home," Albion's No.39 said.
"It's been a hectic last few months and this is a great achievement.
"I started off in the youth team but have kicked on in the last few months, played well, got my chance and hopefully I've taken it.
"It's great to know that New Zealanders are supporting me and pushing me on to go further in my career."
He added: "My family's been the biggest influence on my career - my dad and sister back home and my mum over here.
"The club's also been really supportive over the last eight or nine months. They've helped me out a lot.
"The manager's [Tony Mowbray] been great. I'll always be thankful to him for bringing me into the squad and playing me against Portsmouth."