Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year

Riyad Mahrez might have won the PFA Player of the Year Award, but his partner in Leicester City's title run – Jamie Vardy – has been handed the honour of the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. Leicester are on the cusp of a stunning Premier League title, thanks largely to the exploits of Vardy in front of goal.

Vardy was the outright winner of the FWA Footballer of the Year award, winning 36% of the votes to beat out his Leicester teammates Ngolo Kante and Mahrez. The striker has scored 22 goals in the Premier League this season for Leicester City.

"It's a great honour to win such a prestigious award and to have my name added to a list of previous winners that includes some unbelievable players," Vardy was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "Thank you to the Football Writers' Association and to everyone that voted.

"Thank you also to my teammates, who are the reason I've been able to achieve anything. It's been an amazing season for all of us at Leicester, based on teamwork not individuals, which you can see in the voting. Thanks also to the manager, all the staff and the fans for their support.

"We're all totally focused on getting over the line in the final two weeks of the season and turning a great season into one we'll never forget. Hopefully I can contribute to that and, if selected, carry some good form into the Euros this summer.

Four other Leicester players also got votes, namely the midfielder Danny Drinkwater, defenders Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester just fell one step short of clinching the title at Old Trafford on Sunday, managing a 1-1 draw with Manchester United when they needed all three points. However, the Foxes will be crowned the new champions if Tottenham fail to beat London rivals Chelsea on Monday.

"It is testament to their all-round excellence that so many Leicester players polled votes from our members," FAW chairman Andy Dunn said. "The Jamie Vardy story, though, clearly captured the imagination of so many writers.

"His record-breaking feat of scoring in 11 consecutive matches is the jewel in what will surely be Leicester's Premier League crown.

"And the Footballer of the Year award is not just a reflection of his fantastic season, but recognition of a remarkable journey from non-league to the international stage."