Karčemarskas honoured in Lithuanian awards

Gaziantepspor goalkeeper Žydrūnas Karčemarskas has been named Lithuanian player of the year for the first time, beating several former recipients to the award.

The 28-year-old topped a poll of fans and experts ahead of last year's winner, Zagłębie Lubin striker Darvydas Šernas, and Marius Stankevičius, the S.S. Lazio defender honoured in 2008 and 2009. Versatile PFC CSKA Moskva midfielder Deividas Šemberas finished fourth.

Karčemarskas helped Gaziantepspor to a fourth-place finish in the Turkish Super League last season, playing in 31 of 34 games, and a berth in the UEFA Europa League. The former FC Dinamo Moskva man also impressed for Lithuania, whom he has represented 58 times, in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying attempt that began positively with a 1-0 win in the Czech Republic before petering out.

"It‘s very nice to know that your work is appreciated," said Karčemarskas. "On the other hand, I would have wanted a better campaign with the national team."

Elsewhere at the Lithuanian Football Federation's (LFF) end-of-season gala, FK Ekranas's Ignas Dedura became the first defender in 13 years to receive the domestic player of the year award. FK Sūduva winger Tadas Eliošius retained the young player accolade and Ekranas boss Valdas Urbonas was named best coach for guiding the club to a fourth successive A Lyga title.