SFWA Player of the Year

Lawrence Shankland has been named the SFWA Player of the Year for season 2023/24.

The Hearts striker has enjoyed a remarkable campaign and currently leads the Premiership scoring charts after netting his 23rd goal in the draw with St Mirren on Wednesday night.

Shankland has 31 goals from 50 appearances in all competitions this term and saw off Jack Butland, Matt O’Riley and Bojan Miovski to top the poll of Association members.

The 28-year-old will be honoured at the annual dinner this weekend and SFWA President Chick Young said: “As ever the organisation which invented the player of the year concept in this country has got it spot on again.

“I confess to personal delight that the spotlight has moved from the Old Firm but in any case no one can argue that Lawrence Shankland is not a worthy winner.

“He has been brilliant for Hearts and a nation is about to put its faith in him for the Euros.

“I hope he enjoys the applause, the acclaim and a right good night out on Sunday.”

First presented in season 1964/65 to Celtic legend Billy McNeill, the SFWA award has become a prestigious and cherished prize for players in the Scottish game.

Kyogo Furuhashi was recognised for his efforts last term and the likes of Craig Gordon, Steven Davis and Odsonne Edouard have been crowned in recent seasons.

The winner of the William Hill SFWA Manager of the Year award is set to be revealed in Sunday’s newspapers and will also receive his prize at the dinner at the DoubleTree Hilton in Glasgow.