The 20-year-old from Southam has had to endure a two-month spell recovering from hospital treatment, which has caused him to miss this summer's Paralympic Games in Beijing, the under-23 European Championships and the presentation of his trophy for disabled sportsperson of the year at the Courier and Warwick District 2008 Sports Awards in June.

But Crinage was in a positive frame of mind when he received the award on Monday.

He said: "I couldn't believe It when I was told.

"It was unexpected - you never think it is going to be you even when you're shortlisted.

"I have been at home for eight weeks now, so to receive an award was nice."

Crinage, who plays in the Super League for Wolverhampton Rhinos, helped the British senior team to a test series win in Israel this year but was in hospital when the Under-23 side competed at the European Championships in Turkey last month.

But a good season for the Rhinos has led to them qualifying for Europe for the first time.

And Crinage is looking forward to the new season in September.

He said: "I'm bored of being at home - I feel fine but I want to get back out there and play some basketball.

"A couple of months out is far too long for me.

"My aim is to continue training with the GB squad ready for the next big tournament in Birmingham in 2010"

Crinage began playing basketball 10 years ago and is one of the youngest players in the GB squad.

He said: "The andrenalin rush is what I like.

"You just cant put it into words - it's such an amazing sport.

"I also get to interact with a lot of different people which is important for me."