Celtic trio lead Player of the Year shortlist

CELTIC trio Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum McGregor and Kyogo Furuhashi lead the way in the race for the coveted SFWA Player of the Year prize.

It has been another remarkable season for Ange Postecoglou’s side and Hoops captain McGregor will look to follow Parkhead predecessor Scott Brown - who lifted the title five years ago - in being named Player of the Year by the Association.

The award was won by a Celtic player on seven straight occasions from 2014 to 2020 and is currently held by Hearts captain Craig Gordon following his crowning moment last term.

Like McGregor, defender Carter-Vickers has been a hugely impressive and consistent performer for the champions throughout the campaign.

The American will miss the Scottish Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle next month through injury but has more than played his part in the bid for another domestic clean sweep this term.

The same can be said of the man that leads the way at the other end of the park as Kyogo seeks to add another achievement to a Celtic career that continues to go from strength to strength.

The striker has 24 goals and two assists to his credit this term and could become the second Japanese star - after Shunsuke Nakamura in 2007 - to lift the prestigious trophy later this month.

But it is another of the Premiership’s most potent finishers that is looking to deny Kyogo and his Hoops team-mates as Kevin van Veen sets his sights on the silverware.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a wonderful campaign in front of goal and has netted 22 times for the Steelmen to become a firm favourite at Fir Park.

Van Veen’s efforts have been hugely significant for Motherwell as Stuart Kettlewell has guided his side away from the relegation battle and into mid-table security.

The Player of the Year prize is one of the most sought-after in the game and the winner for season 2022/23 will be presented with their award at the SFWA dinner on Sunday, May 28.