Matt O’Riley to pip Rangers duo to player of the year award – McAvennie
Celtic star Matt O’Riley is likely to be crowned the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claimed that the midfielder could win the award despite falling out of form recently.
O’Riley has been nominated for the award alongside Rangers duo Jack Butland and James Tavernier, and Hearts ace Lawrence Shankland.
McAvennie believes the Jambos captain, who has 28 goals this season, deserves the honour, but could be pipped by O’Riley, who has 14 goals from midfield.
Celtic star likely to receive honour – McAvennie
The Denmark international has been linked with a Celtic Park exit thanks to his impressive displays, with sources telling Football Insider in January that the Bhoys will demand at least £20million for his services this summer.
And while McAvennie believes he has not been shining lately, O’Riley could be handed the award as the votes took place earlier in the season.
“I think Shankland has been different class this season,” he told Football Insider. “Tavernier does what he does, scores goals, and that’s why he’s there.
“Butland has done very well. O’Riley has done well, but he’s gone off the boil a bit. Everybody knows that.
“But the votes were a while ago, so when he was voted he was probably the best, I would have said without a shadow of a doubt, and that’s probably why he will maybe get it.
“But I think it would be criminal not to give it to Shankland. I love O’Riley, I think he’s different class, but Shankland is doing it.
“Nobody can ask any more of him, he’s been asked to go and do it and get to the Euros, and I think he’s done everything that he can to impress Steve Clarke.
“I don’t know what else he can do. He’s the Hearts captain, has stepped up and is scoring all these goals.”
In other news, Celtic work on signing full-back after agreeing exit.
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