Date: April 13th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: Four Four Two Australia

WORLD Cup hopeful Simon Colosimo has received a double boost with a first taste of action for AZ Alkmaar and an award for his end of season efforts at Sydney FC.

Melbourne Heart coach John van't Schipp secured a training place for Colosimo with the Dutch Eredivisie side in a bid to keep his World Cup hopes alight by staying in shape ahead of the tournament.

He made his debut in the reserves side at the weekend while the PFA today revealed Colosimo's tireless role in defence for Sydney FC at the end of last season had earned him the player of the month award for March.

"I am very excited to be March's nomination knowing that I now have a good chance of being a nomination for the PFA Footballer of the Year Award," said Colosimo.

"For me, the PFA Footballer of the Year Award is the ultimate accolade in Australian football as it is voted on by the players' fellow professionals whom play with and against each other week-in and week-out.

"You cannot get a more prestigious award than that. I also must say that I am humbled by this monthly award, particularly given the people on the PFA Awards Committee."

Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak was named young player of the month for March.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/126508,double-boost-for-colosimo.aspx