Paul McShane has romped away with Albion's player of the season award.

The young centre half, signed on loan from Manchester United in August, received more than half of fans' votes in the annual poll.

McShane was the runaway winner on 58 per cent, well clear of runner-up Gary Hart (23 per cent). Guy Butters, the recipient two years ago, finished third with four per cent of the votes.

McShane is ruled out of relegated Albion's last game at home to Stoke tomorrow (1.30pm) after hernia surgery back in Manchester on Tuesday but he is expected at Withdean to pick up his prize.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international impressed supporters with his tenacious defending throughout the campaign.

He also contributed four goals in 37 Championship appearances, including the winner away to arch-rivals Crystal Palace in October.

McShane said: "The award just tops a good season for me. It's pleasing when the fans are on your side. It's a great feeling when you hear your name being chanted.

"I've really appreciated how the fans have taken to me this season. It could have been the other way - they might not have liked me.

"Thankfully they have and Brighton is a part of me now. You never know what will happen in the future but Brighton will always have a place in my heart."

The award completes a double for McShane. He had already been named the away supporters' player of the season.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "Loan players can sometimes do well for you but they don't often exhibit the sort of commitment over and above the call of duty that he did. We are grateful for his efforts in trying to keep us up."

McGhee admits it is unlikely Albion will get McShane back next season. "He still has ambitions to play for Manchester United.

"We would like Paul to come back and we will monitor the situation. He's had his operation, he'll recover from that first and then take stock of his situation at Manchester United.

"He needs more experience. He can be impulsive but he's a fantastic competitior, a good footballer and a natural defender. I think there is a role for him somewhere at a higher level than certainly League One where we are going."

Albion, a point behind Stoke's neighbours Crewe and two adrift of Millwall, are in danger of finishing bottom of the Championship unless they win at home tomorrow for the first time since beating Leeds in mid-January.

McGhee said: "I think it's irrelevant really. if you don't stay up what difference does it make?

"What we do have to do is retain some sort of pride. We are not just going to go through the motions. People will be paying good money and expecting to see the team do their best.

"We played well at Wolves last week and we have got to take that into Sunday's game.

"We don't feel as if we deserved to go down. There are justifiable reasons why we have, mainly the lack of a centre forward all season until the arrival of Gifton Noel-Williams.

"Stoke are one of his ex-clubs. I am sure he will want to do well against them and we can use that as a motivation."