PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominees – Who is the worthy winner?

The Players Football Association Scotland has released their four-player shortlist for the Player of the Season award – but who is going to top the list?

Three stars from the big Glasgow two are in the running for the prestigious award, as well as Heart of Midlothian’s star Scotland forward.

But which SPFL star is actually worthy of being tipped for the crown? By taking a look at each individual’s overall season including some key statistics – it’s time to determine to which major city the award is headed.

For the past two years, the award has been won by players from Celtic. Skipper Calum McGregor bagged the prize in 2021-22, with Japanese goal scorer Kyogo Furuhashi proving a worthy winner last season.

However, neither of those previous winners are in the running this time round.

Before James Tavernier triumphed in 2020-21, long-serving winger James Forrest became the sixth consecutive Celtic player to win the award.

Let’s take a look at the nominees this time round.

Matt O’Riley

Celtic’s star midfielder could become the first-ever Danish player to bag the award. The midfielder which Ange Postecoglou brought to the east end of Glasgow from MK Dons has been in the form of his life this campaign. The maestro has netted 14 goals this season, as well as plating up 11 assists for his Hoops teammates.

The former Fulham youngster has also made his debut for the national team Denmark this season, with two appearances being his just reward for his fine club form. O’Riley is arguably the front-runner to win the award, and his impressive stat of being in the 99^th percentile for assists per 90 minutes at 0.56.

In fact, O’Riley has been so good this season that he has had strong interest in his services, including from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

Due to Celtic currently being in pole position to be crowned Premiership winners, the Dane’s cause will be massively aided by that.

Jack Butland

Former Manchester United shot-stopper Jack Butland has by far been the highest-performing goalkeeper in the Scottish game this season. Despite finding himself out of favour at Crystal Palace and Manchester United, his two former clubs, Butland has been displaying some of the best performances of his career to date in Govan.

The England international has faced 94 shots this season and impressively has only conceded on 24 occasions. In a total of 53 matches played in all competitions, Butland, who was signed by Phillipe Clement, has kept 25 clean sheets.

Butland is definitely worthy of his nomination, but it is rare for a goalkeeper to win Player of the Year. Only former Aberdeen stopper Theo Snelders and Rangers hero Andy Goram have been victorious in the award as men who apply their trade between the sticks.

James Tavernier

Rangers captain James Tavernier has been at the forefront of the blue half of Glasgow for several years now. His ability to fly up the right wing and his multitude of goals have made him an SPFL standout, and a player in which many left-backs have begun to fear.

This season, James Tavernier has 17, yes – 17, goals from right back, coupled with an impressive nine assists. Considering that Rangers have already bagged themselves one trophy in the Premier Sports Cup, that could aid the Englishman’s bid to become the top dog.

The former Newcastle defender also holds the feat of being the highest-scoring defender of all time in British football having burst the back of the net an astounding 133 times.

Lawrence Shankland

Shankland has been heavily tipped by supporters as the clear favourite to win Player of the Year – and it must be said, they could well be correct.

The Scotland international has been a constant scorer during his time in the Scottish game, but this season the 28-year-old has taken his finishing knack to a whole other level.

Netting on 21 occasions for Heart of Midlothian, the former Dundee United man has majorly outperformed his xG of 15.37. Just three of his 21-strong tally this season have come from the penalty spot.

Shankland, who is now the captain of Hearts, is also proving his worth as being more than just a poacher – making 89 recoveries for the boys in maroon this season.

The former Ayr United man has had the best season of his career so far. He is the top scorer in the Scottish top-flight and is firing at an impressive rate with just 114 minutes per goal – which could well be enough to see him take home the award.

If Shankland does go on to win, he will be the first player from outside of Rangers and Celtic to win the award since Motherwell’s Michael Higdon in 2012/13.

Peter MacKay