Two members of newly appointed champions Rangers help shape the final Setanta.com SPL Team of the Week.
A dramatic season in the Scottish Premier League was drawn to a gripping conclusion over the weekend as the battles for Europe, survival and, of course, the coveted title itself were finally resolved. With so much at stake an entertaining fixture list was all but guaranteed, and fans across the country were not to be left disappointed.
Two members of newly appointed champions Rangers help shape the 3-5-2 formation of the latest Setanta.com SPL Team of the Week, alongside three players from Hearts and two from Kilmarnock. One player from the Falkirk squad that rallied to avoid relegation makes the grade, as do solitary representatives from St Mirren, Aberdeen, and the Celtic side that conceded the title with a disappointing last day result.
Goalkeeper- Marian Kello – Hearts
The Slovakian was never going to have an easy time of it as Celtic looked to retain their SPL crown in Sunday, but he managed to cope with everything The Hoops could throw at him to extinguish their hopes of lifting the trophy for a fourth successive season. His incredible first half save to deny Aiden McGeady set the tone for a frustrating afternoon at Celtic Park, and his effort to deny Scott Brown ensured a point in the goalless draw.
Defence– Jackie McNamara – Falkirk
The Bairns went into battle at Inverness knowing they needed all three points to avoid the trauma of dropping down to the First Division, and it was their experienced general that led them to victory. The veteran has been involved in plenty of scraps at the other end of the table during his time with Celtic, but handled the intensity of a relegation dogfight sublimely by setting up Michael Higdon’s oh so important winning goal.
Defence – Charlie Mulgrew – Aberdeen
Apart from emerging victorious from their encounter with Hibs, The Dons had to hope that the result at Tannadice went their way to clinch a coveted spot in next season’s Europa League. As Rangers did them a favour by brushing aside Dundee United, Mulgrew was instrumental in his own side’s triumphant end to the campaign, curling home a trademark 25-yard free kick to set the seal on the 2-1 win.
Defence- Robbie Neilson – Hearts
The Jambos travelled to Celtic Park safe in the knowledge that third spot and a place in Europe was secured, but in what was his last game for the Tynecastle club skipper Neilson seemed determined to go out on a high. The full back bid an emotional farewell before his impending switch to Leicester as his side drew 0-0 with the fallen champions, departing in style with a commanding performance at the back.
Right Midfield – Andy Dorman – St Mirren
The former New England Revolution star has become a firm favourite with The Buddies faithful over the course of the season, and despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to Hamilton on the closing day his performance still managed to show exactly why that is the case. As his side attempted to ensure SPL survival, the 27-year-old once again played an engineering role when pushing for goals.
Centre Midfield – Pedro Mendes – Rangers
The Portuguese playmaker has been the subject of much criticism for his alleged failure to live up to his hefty reputation in recent matches, but he hit back and then some as The Gers clinched the title at Tannadice on Sunday. His unrivalled ability to create chances as well as break up the play in the centre of the park has been pivotal to his side’s success this season, and his sweetly struck left foot volley to grab the second goal in the 3-0 win was a joy to behold.
Centre Midfield – Scott Brown – Celtic
His side suffered massive disappointment with failure to seal four league titles in a row against a resilient Hearts side, but the Player of the Year’s performance in the goalless draw was certainly no reflection on his team’s lack of success. His determination to win every ball and break forward at each opportunity was once again evident, and he was denied a place on the score-sheet only by a superb save by Jambos ‘keeper Marian Kello.
Centre Midfield – Eggert Jonsson – Hearts
The Icelandic utility man has been used sparingly by Jambos boss Csaba Laszlo this season, spending the vast majority of the campaign awaiting his opportunity to prove himself from the bench. But with a spate of injuries plaguing the Edinburgh outfit’s squad as they faced title potentials Celtic, the 20-year-old put in an industrious shift to help ensure his side ended the season with a well earned point.
Left Midfield - Mehdi Taouil – Kilmarnock
The majestic Moroccan winger was back to his brilliant best as his side bid farewell to the campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Motherwell. As well as showing superb vision and even more impressive skill to set up the first and score the second respectively, his pace on the flank caused endless problems for ‘Well full back Paul Quinn.
Striker – Kris Boyd – Rangers
It could not have been more fitting that the third and possibly decisive goal in the Ibrox club’s title clinching drubbing of Dundee United was tucked away by the man whose goals have been the key factor in their success. The former Kilmarnock star nipped in to slot home goal number 31 for the season and seal glory for Walter Smith’s men, as well as turning superbly to set up team-mate Kyle Lafferty for the early opener at Tannadice.
Striker – Danny Invincibile – Kilmarnock
Whilst team-mate Taouil was undoubtedly the star of the show as Killie emerged victorious from Lanarkshire, the Australian striker linked up well with him to pose a formidable attacking threat to any defence. So often used as a winger during his time at Rugby Park, he showed that he has lost none of his striker’s instincts by smashing home a superb half-volley for the opening goal.