JONNY Howson says it's a 'massive honour' to be chosen by the fans as Norwich City's Anglian Home Improvements Player of the Season for 2015-16.

Howson beat Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan into second and third place respectively to lift the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy, which was presented to him by Barry's widow Thelma ahead of Wednesday's game versus Watford.

The midfielder, who played a part in every league match until he suffered a knee injury against Manchester United last Saturday, praised his teammates and staff in an exclusive interview.

"Whenever you win any kind of award, whether it's personal or as a team, it's obviously pleasing," Howson told canaries.co.uk.

"It's like anything else - whenever you get personal recognition, you can't do it without your teammates and the staff as well. They are the ones who see you day in, day out and they have a big effect on things.

"A huge thank you goes out to them. It's the first time I've won Player of the Season and it's a massive honour for myself."

Personal highlights from the 27-year-old's season include the winning strike against Swansea City in November and a goal of the season contender away to Stoke City in January.

Howson has been happy with the consistency of his form, however, especially since nailing down a starting central midfield slot in Alex Neil's eleven.

"I've had a great run in the side all season and that helps," he said. "You've got the consistency then, but the other thing is that in my position there's been great competition for places.

"I had to make sure that I never switched off, I had to keep going. I was pleased with my form - obviously at times I thought it could have been better, but I'd like to think I gave everything I had.

"I've always said, like everyone else, the bottom line is that you want to be in the starting line-up, but you play your best football in the position you're used to and that's been the case.

"You'll always take a starting place wherever though, and I'll give my best effort wherever I'm chosen to play."

The former Leeds United captain praised City's supporters when reflecting on the atmosphere created against the Hornets, even though relegation to the Sky Bet Championship was confirmed.

"They were terrific. Obviously under the circumstances, it was very pleasing and a nice response. The atmosphere was great throughout the game," added Howson.

"We've come up short and that's disappointing, but at the same time I think the supporters can see that the effort has been there and that we've given it a good go.

"We've not got what we set out to get at the start of the season, but these things happen and it's not about how many times you get knocked down, it's about how many times you get up again.

"There's a real togetherness here. If we keep together, we can move forward. You have highs and lows throughout your career, it's part and parcel of the game."

JONNY HOWSON: A MASSIVE HONOUR

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