Andy Walker backs James Tavernier to rival Celtic duo for prestigious award

Ibrox ace James Tavernier has been one of Rangers' top performers this season.

Pundit Andy Walker has told Sky Sports that Rangers defender James Tavernier should be in the running for Player of the Year in Scotland.

The season is coming to an end in Scotland, and Celtic are set to be confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions for the seven consecutive campaign.

With the Scottish League Cup already in the bag and a Scottish Cup final on the horizon, Celtic are nearing another domestic treble – and that dominance should show up when it comes to crowning the Player of the Year.

Captain Scott Brown will of course be in the running after another strong campaign, whilst a host of key players under Brendan Rodgers should also be considered.

Elsewhere, it's hard to make a case for too many Rangers players, especially given their turbulent end to the campaign, but one Sky Sports pundit has backed a Gers ace.

Pundit Andy Walker has told Sky Sports that he thinks right back James Tavernier has been much improved this season, and should be in the running for the award.

Walker added that he would personally give the award to Brown, whilst he would also name Celtic's James Forrest and Hibernian's John McGinn in the final four too.

“If I had a vote, I’d give it to Scott Brown, I think he’s been the top man for Celtic and Scottish football this season,” said Walker. “His influence on games, I think, is massive. James Forrest was my favourite earlier in the season, I think his form has dipped a little but he has also been really consistent, and thankfully he’s fit.”

“Elsewhere, I’d look at the likes of Tavernier at Rangers, who I think has been a better player this season. I think John McGinn and Dylan McGeouch at Hibs have been terrific. Maybe John McGinn would edge it, but I think they would be a good top four,” he added.
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Scottish Premiership table

Pos	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Celtic	33	43	75
2	Rangers	33	29	62
3	Aberdeen	33	14	62
4	Hibernian	33	14	59
5	Kilmarnock	33	6	55
6	Hearts	33	5	46