Hibs player of the year: Why there's only really one stand-out candidate after a difficult season

As we limp towards the culmination of an underwhelming season beset by injuries, suspensions, the sale of key players, and memorable for two managers getting the elbow, who could realistically be up for the coveted player of the year award?

A huge number of players have been used, from Melker Hallberg’s sole appearance in the Scottish Cup win against Cove Rangers, to Jake Doyle-Hayes’ 40-plus games in all competitions.

Some players, such as January signings Harry Clarke and Demi Mitchell, have made a big impact in an admittedly short space of time. Kyle Magennis started the season strongly but injury curtailed his campaign in late September.

Martin Boyle unsurprisingly and deservedly picked up the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year last season and was on track to do the same this year before his sale to Saudi Arabian club Al-Faisaly in January. Given the past eight months it’s not unthinkable that he could do so again despite having left nearly four months ago.

But let’s assume things aren’t quite that bad. Despite the general air of malaise that has followed Hibs around for most of the season there have been individual performances worth highlighting.

Still dependable, still giving 110 per cent, and still self-deprecatory, the 34-year-old hasn’t let Hibs down on any occasion he has played this season.

He’s played at left-back, left-wingback, centre-back and, more than 15 years after breaking into the Easter Road first team in the same position, back in central midfield.

He has 30 appearances under his belt so far but arguably should have more. Reliable and whole-hearted, he continues to roll back the years wherever he plays.

And even if he was nominated, he’d probably suggest one of his team-mates