Lawrence Shankland gets my vote as the standout player for PFA Scotland Player of the Year. If Celtic fails to improve their defense against aerial threats, the Hearts forward might have cause for a double celebration this weekend by continuing his dominance over my old club. Shankland’s impressive performance this season, marked by 28 goals for his club, showcases his value and impact on the team. While the other candidates are all deserving, Shankland’s consistency and influence on matches make him a standout choice.
Reflecting on the other candidates, Matt O’Riley’s remarkable contributions earlier in the season stood out, displaying exceptional work rate and creativity while adding goals from midfield. Despite a slight dip in form post-January amid transfer speculations, O’Riley remains a crucial player with immense potential, attracting interest from top clubs like Atletico Madrid.
Acknowledging Jack Butland and James Tavernier’s contributions at Rangers, both players have been pivotal in their team’s success this season through crucial saves and valuable assists. While they have undoubtedly benefited their respective clubs, Shankland’s influence on Hearts surpasses theirs due to his leadership, consistency, and ability to perform against top-tier opponents.
Removing Butland and Tavernier from Rangers or Celtic might not have as profound an impact as removing Shankland from Hearts, emphasizing his indispensable role as captain and talisman. Shankland’s defining performances, like his precise header against Rangers, demonstrate his ability to lead by example and make a significant difference for his team in crucial moments.
Shankland replicated his stunning goal-scoring prowess against Celtic just six weeks later, setting the stage for another impressive victory as the hosts at Parkhead struggled to mount a response. This remarkable anticipation and clinical finish against Rodgers’ squad at Tynecastle in early March solidified yet another triumph over Rodgers’ ten men.
The striker’s recent track record against Celtic far outshines his performances against Rangers, signaling a cause for concern for my former team. His adeptness in scoring headed goals against the Old Firm this season, especially considering Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities, hints at his potential impact in the upcoming match.
Celtic’s struggle to defend against aerial threats is not a newfound issue; it has plagued them for some time. Recent matches have only highlighted this weakness further, with two goals conceded against Aberdeen at Hampden and a lackluster defensive display against Dundee at Dens Park.
Notably, if Shankland finds his scoring touch, Celtic could face serious consequences, unlike the missed opportunities in previous instances. Opponents like Kilmarnock, with their towering defenders, will undoubtedly be eyeing set-piece opportunities to exploit Celtic’s vulnerabilities when they visit Rugby Park.
While Carter-Vickers has been a stalwart in defense for Celtic, there is a palpable need for stronger support alongside him. The defensive duo of Starfelt and Postecoglou demonstrated resilience in tough situations, which is currently lacking with only two clean sheets in eleven games.
Players like Scales, who has shown improvement this season, must step up alongside Taylor and Johnston to avoid costly defensive lapses that could jeopardize Celtic’s title aspirations. Although Celtic possesses the firepower and quality to dominate opponents, including Hearts, a failure to maintain defensive solidity could pave the way for Shankland to wreak havoc and potentially influence the title race.
In essence, as my Player of the Year, Shankland’s ability to exploit defensive vulnerabilities and his knack for finding the back of the net underscore his significance in upcoming crucial fixtures.