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.

Kenny Miller

"To win it? I think Lawrence Shankland. I think he will win it. Jack Butland will run him close. Everything John [caller to Clyde 1] says is bang on. He's barely put a foot wrong. You have only got to look to 24 hours ago and that save to stop [James] Bolton at such a pivotal moment in the game. St Mirren had just equalised and that is a certain goal. Bolton couldn't believe it. It was a world class save. Jack Butland has made a number of them over the course of the season. But I think this will be Lawrence Shankland's year."

Lee McCulloch

"I think Shanks [Lawrence Shankland] has had a tremendous season. I think [Jack] Butland has and I think Matt O'Riley started the season as by far the best in the league and has just dipped slightly. The Rangers captain [James Tavernier] has 20 plus goals for a right-back. But I just see it Shankland winning it. Jack Butland probably second, James Tavernier third and Matt O'Riley fourth."

Tam McManus

"Matt O'Riley in the first half of the season would have probably been Player of the Year. But I think he has went off the boil. I don't think he had a good game against Dundee [on Sunday]. I think Shankland is a certainty. I think he's got to win it."

Andy Walker

"I understand anyone voting for [Jack] Butland and [James] Tavernier at Rangers, Matt O'Riley or Lawrence Shankland. If I had a vote I think I would go for Shankland. I think he has been outstanding this season in a Hearts side that have been good and bad."

Stephen McGinn

"I think Shankland edges it for me. Club captain of Hearts. I think he has carried them on his back this season. Nearly involved in all of their goals with goals and assists. Hearts are sitting clear in third because of Lawrence Shankland. Jack Butland is in it. I think he has a shout but I think he is just a really good player and a brilliant signing. But in terms of individual season I think Shankland just edges it."