SPFL Team of the Week

Craig Fowler selects his latest SPFL Team of the Week in a 4-4-2 formation, with Falkirk striker John Baird the star man after his hat-trick at Dumbarton.

GK - Danny Ward (Aberdeen)
The Aberdeen keeper saved a point for his side with four terrific stops in the closing stages as Motherwell surged forward on the counter attack. The frustration on Lionel Ainsworth's face when Ward somehow got down to tip his low shot around the post told its own story.

DR - Josh Law (Motherwell)
The Steelmen showed a marked improvement in the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie by taking the game to the Ladbrokes Premiership’s second-placed side. Law has been one of many first-team players not to hit full stride at Fir Park this season, but there were promising signs from a display full of endeavour as he hustled up and down the wing.

DC - Luca Gasparotto (Morton)
After six games without a victory, Morton got back to winning ways by rediscovering the recipe for success from earlier in the campaign as they managed to keep their first clean sheet since drawing with Dumbarton in early September. Rangers loanee Gasparotto was the stand-out from a strong defensive unit, showing his capabilities as a dominant centre-back and composure with the ball at his feet.

DC - Callum Paterson (Hearts)
The Hearts right-back rattled in a terrific opening goal after running on to a loose ball 20 yards out at the corner of the penalty area. He was then asked to fill in at centre-back after a red card was issued to Blazej Augustyn. Paterson's aerial and heading abilities meant he took the switch in his stride as the hosts kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Ross County.

DL - Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
The future looks very bright for the 18-year-old full-back after a man-of-the-match worthy performance in Celtic's 5-0 win over Dundee United. Tierney got up and down the left flank excellently, linking well with Stuart Armstrong, while in defence he remained solid throughout the match, helping the unit to earn a clean sheet.

DM - Steven Smith (Kilmarnock)
The former Rangers full-back may have found a new niche for himself at the base of Kilmarnock's midfield. Gary Locke's side have improved immeasurably since Kevin McHattie joined and gave the team greater impetus further up the park, but the ex-Hearts man's enthusiasm for getting forward can leave space at the back. Smith uses his experience and intelligence to plug the hole, while he's been flawless in the new position with the ball at his feet so far, including netting a superb low drive in Killie's win at Dundee.

MC - Kieran Gibbons (Livingston)
Livingston lifted themselves off the foot of the table thanks to a storming come-from-behind victory over Queen of the South at Palmerston. The visitors reacted terrifically to going a goal down, eventually winning 4-1. At the centre of the park, pulling the strings, was 20-year-old Kieran Gibbons, who, along with Scott Pittman, helped the away side dominate the midfield area.

MC - Shaun Byrne (Dunfermline Athletic)
The Pars have talent right throughout their team and perhaps, because of this, the midfield pairing of Andy Geggan and Byrne are often overlooked. Both bring terrific energy and industry to the middle of the park, which often allows Allan Johnston's side to dominate the possession battle. In their 4-0 win over Forfar on Saturday, Byrne was the star man, covering every blade of grass while being very efficient and effective on the ball.

AM - Kris Commons (Celtic)
The midfielder was rewarded with a standing ovation when he left the field having scored two goals and played a starring role in Celtic's 5-0 hammering of Dundee United at Parkhead. Following last Thursday's incident, a distracted performance might have been understandable. Instead Commons took it up a gear to help ensure a comfortable day for the league leaders.

FC - John Baird (Falkirk)
Falkirk boss Peter Houston's decision to try out a two-man strikeforce paid dividends on Saturday as the Bairns routed Dumbarton in a 5-0 away victory. Baird, who had only netted three league goals prior to the match, doubled his tally for the season with a well-earned hat-trick to help move his side back into third place in the Ladbrokes Championship. This week's star man.

FC - Rory McAllister (Peterhead)
Peterhead shook off the division's longest winless streak with an impressive 2-0 victory over Airdrieonians at Balmoor. The Blue Toon hadn't won since August 22 but, helped by a dominant display from talisman McAllister who terrorised the Airdrieonians back-line all afternoon, including netting the opening goal, they were able to send their visitors on the long trip south with nothing to show for their efforts.