Hearts fans all share the same theory as Rangers bound John Souttar earns a team of the year spot

Hearts fans were delighted to learn two of their players had been picked for the prestigious PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

But while few could argue against Craig Gordon's inclusion in goal, it's the Jambos themselves that have a theory regarding John Souttar's selection.

The defender has had an excellent season, earning a dream Scotland recall and for the most part finally banishing his long-term injury woes.

He also penned a pre-contract with Rangers, and in the upcoming Scottish Cup Final could play his final game in maroon against the very team he'll play for next season.

And there are some Hearts supporters who believe that transfer is why he drummed up the votes from his fellow pros ahead of the likes of Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett.

Kingsley has been a revelation as a left-sided centre-back this season while his ability from free-kicks have given the Edinburgh side a new threat.

Halkett also earned his first senior Scotland call-up this term and his leadership in Souttar's absence helped steer the Gorgie men to a third-placed finish.

One insisted: "Don't get me wrong, Souttar has been solid, however Halkett can feel really hard done by. Dare I say the pending Rangers move has bumped Souttar up in people's estimations?"

Another wrote: "Halkett and Kingsley have had better seasons than Souttar."

Another fan also lamented the exclusion of Barrie McKay, currently second in the Premiership assists table behind James Tavernier.

He said: "Souttar has been great but Halkett/Kingsley have had better seasons. Baz McKay has been robbed along with the above"

Some reckoned Souttar's goal against Denmark played a part as well as the upcoming switch: "Souttar getting in the team of the year highlights everything