Another week, another SPL Team of the Week. Check out who caught the eye.
A depleted fixture list still managed to throw up its fair share of entertainment this weekend, with an explosive Edinburgh derby unsurprisingly proving to be the pick of the four games.
The 3-4-3 formation of the latest setanta.com SPL Team of the Week consists of the players who shone brightest from those games, with four triumphant Hibees claiming a spot.
Two of their defeated Hearts opponents make the grade, as do two players from Motherwell and Inverness. A single Dundee United representative completes the set-up.
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Goalkeeper - Grzegorz Szamotulski - Hibernian
It may have been Steven Fletcher who was hogging the headlines after bagging the winning goal in Saturday’s Edinburgh derby, but Szamotulski did more than enough at the other end of the park to endear himself to the Hibees fans. The Polish keeper pulled off a stunning save to deny a vicious Michael Stewart free kick at the end of the first half.
Defence - Robbie Neilson - Hearts
The Tynecastle stalwart led his side into the heat of the derby for the first time as captain on Saturday, but on the strength of his performance the extra responsibility and intensity of the match did little to faze him. He kept the cool head required of any captain as chaos erupted all around him, but in the end could do little to prevent defeat at Easter Road.
Defence - Garry Kenneth - Dundee United
As the Arabs crashed to defeat at Fir Park in Saturday’s encounter, the youngster may have felt aggrieved to end up on the losing side. His team-mates struggled to create much in the way of chances, but the 21-year-old ensured that the creativity of their hosts was also kept to a minimum.
Defence - Rob Jones - Hibernian
The Easter Road captain has more than his fair share of experience where squaring up to their Jambo rivals is concerned, so he knew ahead of Saturday’s clash exactly what was needed and expected of him. He didn’t disappoint the jubilant support, quelling the opposition threat throughout the match to ensure the Hibees held out for three crucial points.
Left Midfield - Jim O’Brien - Motherwell
The much maligned Fir Park pitch has been the subject of much criticism from so many players who try to display some of the finer points of the game, but evidently they forgot to tell Jim O’Brien. The 21-year-old tore Dundee United apart as Well snatched a win on Saturday, showing terrific pace and pinpoint crossing to wreak havoc in the visitors defence, setting up the opening goal for John Sutton in the process.
Centre Midfield - Ian Black - Inverness
The departing midfielder gave the Caley faithful another instalment of what is rapidly transpiring as a perfect farewell as his side brushed Kilmarnock aside on Saturday. As well as showing the usual domineering style that has been consistent of his season, the future Jambo whipped home a vicious free kick to set the seal on the 2-0 win.
Centre Midfield - Denes Rosa - Hibernian
It hasn’t taken long for the Hungarian star to endear himself to the green and white half of Edinburgh, and his near-flawless display in his side’s victory over fierce rivals Hearts will have done no harm to his reputation. A solid midfield showing helped the Hibees on their way to a priceless three points.
Right Midfield - David Obua - Hearts
The Ugandan has been criticised by opposition fans in recent weeks for his supposed diving antics, but he put in an honest and impressive shift as his side stumbled to defeat against Hibs. His pace and creativity down the flank caused problems for the hosts at Easter Road, but his efforts were to no avail.
Striker - John Sutton - Motherwell
The Steelmen faced up against formidable opposition in the shape of Dundee United at Fir Park on Saturday, and it was clear that someone would have to step up to the goal-scoring plate if they were to take anything from the match. That someone proved to be 25-year-old Sutton, as he nipped in to open the scoring in the first half, causing problems for the Arabs backline throughout.
Striker - Steven Fletcher - Hibernian
It would appear that rumours of a crisis of confidence on Fletcher’s part have been greatly exaggerated. After a barren spell stretching back to November, the Scotland hit-man has silenced his critics with a return to form, hitting two goals in as many matches against Hamilton and Hearts respectively. His derby strike may have been fortuitous to say the least, but it is undoubtedly one that will be cherished by the Hibees support.
Striker - Richie Foran - Inverness
The Highlanders’ resurgence since the appointment of Terry Butcher as manager has been little short of miraculous, and as they extended their lead over faltering Falkirk at the foot of the table with a 2-0 defeat of Kilmarnock, Foran was on top form. The Irishman did well to stick away the opening goal at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, and made a nuisance of himself to the Killie defence as the match progressed.