RYAN Giggs has urged the Football Writers' Association to crown Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo their player of the season.

Ronaldo has been in scintillating form this term, taking his goal tally for the season to 13 in Saturday's 3-1 Barclays Premiership win over Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old Portugal winger's performances have been reminiscent of Giggs at his spellbinding best and the Welshman believes Ronaldo is currently the country's top talent.

"He's been the best player of the season, as far as I'm concerned, without a doubt," Giggs told Sky Sports News after donning a tuxedo for last night's FWA tribute dinner in his honour.

"Scoring goals, making goals and the way he plays the game, taking on players - it's what fans want to see."

Giggs is 13 years Ronaldo's senior, something he thinks demonstrates the balance between youth and experience that could see United clinch their first Premiership title for four years come May.

"It's definitely got the potential to be a very good team," Giggs said.

"We've got a good mixture of youth and experience and we're going well so far this season but we've got to carry that on.

"We're playing the right way as well, scoring lots of goals.

"It helps if you've got a manager that's been there and so many players who have won so much. Those players and the staff are key to helping those young players who haven't been in those positions before."

The FWA were celebrating Giggs' distinguished career, which has seen him play in every season of the Premiership and become one of the most decorated players in the history of English football.

Debut

Asked about his greatest moment in the game, the midfielder chose not single out one of his many league title wins or cup finals, saying: "The greatest moment was my debut. Playing your first game for United is something special, the team you support as a kid.

"Eventually playing for them can never be beaten."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson and fellow Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby Charlton led the tributes last night.

Charlton joked how he wished the Wales international could play for England, while Ferguson talked about how he watched the winger in a training session against Viv Anderson.

Giggs reciprocated by thanking Ferguson for his guidance at Old Trafford, saying: "The boss has been a massive influence on my career, probably the biggest influence.

"His desire to win things is still there and we need his experience to see us through to the end of the season."

Despite his veteran status, Giggs hopes to continue playing at the highest level for United for years to come.

He added: "As long as I keep my fitness, the challenge is there, the desire is there and I enjoy my football - if all those things are in place I want to carry on as long as I can.

"You look at the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Gary Speed - still playing in the Premiership and playing well.

"Players look after themselves a lot more and can go on that bit longer."

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