Mark Wilson has named TWO Celtic stars as Player of the Year candidates - but reckons James Tavernier could also be in with a shout.
Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi have both stood out in a Hoops side on a relentless charge towards the Premiership title and in with a big chance of landing a domestic treble. The latter is just one goal away from hitting the 30 landmark while his team-mate has been the star of the show in the midfield area for the Hoops by pulling the strings and showing both class and energy throughout the season.
But Rangers skipper Tavernier has also contributed big numbers this campaign in Govan and hit the 100-goal landmark for the Ibrox club. His assist tally is also impressive. He's scored 17 and provided eight to date for Michael Beale's side with the full-back labelling him a 'quality player'. Out of the two Celtic players, Wilson has given his backing to Hatate but recognises that Tav could pick up votes.
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Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, he said: "I would give it to Hatate. I think he has been extraordinary and I am not saying Kyogo hasn't. He has got the goals and often that gets recognised more but for his all-round game and what he brings to the team. That real drive.
"He has everything this boy and I think he deserves it. He could be injured at the wrong time though, but the two of them are in with a great shout, but preference Hatate.
"Take away his (Tavernier's) goal, 17 goals for a right-back is phenomenal, never mind if it is penalties or not. But his assists as well, another one at the weekend, so there is no doubt about it, he is a quality player.
"We always talk about numbers with Tavernier, the numbers he brings to a Rangers side that is second in the league, it has to be recognised as well. He could be in with a shout and I think a lot of players in the league when it comes to voting will recognise that and vote for him as well."
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