McCann can be in running for award

WHO’LL BE IN THE MIX FOR THE END-OF-SEASON AWARDS?

EN: There’s no point mentioning anyone from this part of the world. I still can’t believe Lewis Ferguson beat Ali McCann to the young player of the year award last season. What I will say is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see McCann nominated for the main award this time around.

SH: Player of the Year – whoever is Celtic’s star man this season. Nobody else will get a look in. That’s just how it is.

A Rangers player will be there or thereabouts and, if somebody from outwith the Glasgow pair has an outstanding campaign, a la Lawrence Shankland last season, they’ll get a token, pat-onthe-head mention despite not really standing a chance. Young Player of the Year tends to be a more open category, though if there was any justice, St Johnstone’s Ali McCann or Motherwell’s Allan Campbell would have won the Scottish Football Writers’ Association’s gong last season.

Both had far better campaigns than the actual winner, Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson. McCann will be there or thereabouts again if he plays like he did last term, while, if Lawrence Shankland can bag another bucketload of goals in the Premiership, his name will certainly be mentioned in connection with the main award.

GC: Rangers and Celtic players. Outside of the Old Firm, I’d back guys like Martin Boyle and Declan Gallagher to shine this season and be in the conversations for awards. Possible candidates for the young player awards will be Ali McCann at St Johnstone and Ross Stewart at Ross County.

IR: If we are talking 10 at Celtic Park then they will sweep the board.