Check out the latest incarnation of the setanta.com Team of the Week.
The much hyped Old Firm derby was always going to be the primary focal point of the latest round of Scottish Premier League fixtures, but as the game at Celtic Park transpired as a drab goalless draw it was stars from elsewhere in the country that stole the show.
The 3-5-2 formation of this week’s setanta.com SPL Team of the Week pays homage to those who set their games alight, with a freshly rejuvenated Inverness side hogging the limelight with four representatives. Two of the Hibs stars who scrapped out a draw against Kilmarnock are also present and correct, alongside the standout performers from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Mirren.
What do you make of the team, let us know using the form at the foot of the page.
Goalkeeper - Artur Boruc - Celtic
It was the belief of many that the recent controversy regarding the Holy Goalie’s training ground spat with Aiden McGeady could be a decisive factor in Sunday’s Old Firm derby, but the Pole did well to silence his critics. His fine stops to deny David Weir and a disastrous botched clearance by Stephen McManus ensured his side held firm for the draw that keeps them top of the league.
Defence - Ross Tokely - Inverness
Caley have looked a rejuvenated team since the appointment of new boss Terry Butcher, and none more so than towering right back Tokely. A stalwart for the Highlanders over the years, the 29-year-old put in a commanding shift as his side scrapped to a well earned draw at Dundee United on Saturday.
Defence - Pavel Mihadjuks - Inverness
The Latvian has become an instant hit amongst the Caley fans since his recent arrival at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, and he followed up his goal in the Scottish Cup last week with a confident and assured display at the back at Tannadice. There was little he could have done to prevent the United equaliser, but was reliable when called upon.
Defence - Madjid Bougherra - Rangers
The pressure was firmly on the Ibrox side when they travelled across to Glasgow’s east end for the Old Firm clash on Sunday, but to watch Bougherra you wouldn’t have known it. The Algerian strolled through the match, dealing with any Celtic threat with admirable ease, helping to earn his team a valuable point in the process.
Left Midfield - Andrew Driver – Hearts
The former Oldham star made a switch to the unfamiliar right wing for Saturday’s encounter with Aberdeen, but his place in the Team of the Week is cemented firmly on the opposite flank for now. A tireless performance at Tynecastle saw Driver snatch a winning goal for the Jambos, no more than he deserved for his formidable efforts.
Centre Midfield - John Rankin – Hibernian
The Hibees were, by their own admittance, frustrated at their failure to claim all three points against Kilmarnock on Saturday, and Rankin perhaps more than any will be unhappy that his efforts were sparsely rewarded. His crosses wreaked havoc amongst the Killie defence throughout the 1-1 draw at Rugby Park, and he was denied a goal with a long range effort only by the fingertips of Alan Combe.
Centre Midfield - Ian Black – Inverness
Another game, another performance to cherish from the soon-to-depart Caley star. Black is set to become a Hearts player in the summer transfer window, but it is already clear that he will be greatly missed in the Highlands. His determination and appetite in the centre of the park is a real asset to the Inverness team, and one which The Jambos will be only too happy to gain.
Centre Midfield - Andy Dorman - St Mirren
Since his return from injury earlier in the season, 26-year-old Dorman just can’t stop scoring. His goals return from the midfield has been key to The Buddies’ revival, and his brace against Falkirk on Saturday ensured that the Paisley outfit kept some breathing space between themselves and their relegation rivals.
Right Midfield - Jamie Hamill – Kilmarnock
The Ayrshire men were on the ropes for much of their match against Hibs on Saturday, but what little creative spark they did produce was almost invariably generated by Hamill. The winger caused real problems for young Hibees star Paul Hanlon, and capitalised on his error to sweep home a stunning equalising goal late in the match.
Striker - Derek Riordan – Hibernian
As Mixu Paatelainen’s men pushed for a winning goal at Rugby Park on Saturday, the former Celtic striker was constantly in the thick of the action. His hunger in front of goal seems to have finally returned after his spell in the wilderness in Glasgow, and his sweetly struck volley, although taking a hefty deflection, earned his side a crucial point.
Striker - Eric Odhiambo - Inverness
Caley’s latest import still has a lot to learn about the game at the tender age of 19, but he showed all the composure of a veteran to head home the opening goal of his team’s draw with Dundee United. The Tanzanian star did well to make space for the goal and made a consistent nuisance of himself to the Arabs defence relentlessly throughout.