Lawrence Shankland handed unanimous POTY pundit verdict as Hearts skipper tipped to top Rangers and Celtic rivals

The pundits have spoken and they have unanimously decided that Lawrence Shankland should WIN Player of the Year.

PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year nominees were revealed earlier today with the Hearts skipper set to face competition from Rangers duo Jack Butland and James Tavernier plus Celtic star Matt O'Riley for the top prize. All four players have had big seasons to date for their respective clubs with Glasgow's big two fighting it out for the Scottish Premiership title while they also go head to head at Hampden for the Scottish Cup at the end of May.

Shankland and his Hearts team-mates have all but secured third spot and with that guaranteed European group stage football next season as the fans get ready to dust off their passports once more. The Jambos skipper has had a major say in that due to his high number of goals and contributions for Steven Naismith's side. Tavernier has once again stepped up with a host of goals and assists while at the other end Butland has been nothing short of a sensation at Ibrox.

His incredible save to deny James Bolton in Paisley was just a snippet of his debut season in Govan. Across the city O'Riley has been a key man for Brendan Rodgers' champions with his calm nature on the ball backed up by many more goals this season and his Panenka penalty in the derby at Ibrox showing his smooth approach he brings to proceedings.

It is set to be a big night for the four shortlisted players with one winner set to be announced. And for a host of pundits across Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Go Radio and PLZ soccer, one man stands out most in a bid to add a huge personal accolade to his CV.

"To win it? I think Lawrence Shankland. I think he will win it. Jack Butland will run him close.