Craig Fowler selects his latest SPFL Team of the Week in a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Dundee United midfielder Blair Spittal the star man.
GK - Scott Fox (Ross County)
The keeper made a couple of terrific stops to preserve Ross County’s victory over Motherwell that pushed the Staggies up into fourth place. The perfect warm-up for this weekend’s League Cup semi-final clash with Celtic.
DC - Mark Durnan (Dundee United)
The centre-back was a first-half substitute in United’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock and quickly made his mark with a front-post header that put his side two goals to the good. He would go on to enjoy a strong day defensively as his side secured a crucial victory.
DC - Ben Richards-Everton (Dunfermline Athletic)
No-nonsense defending from the colossus at the heart of Dunfermline’s defence. A 0-0 draw at Peterhead may not have been the desired result for the league leaders, but it’s a 15th consecutive game without defeat in Ladbrokes League 1.
DC - Paul Hanlon (Hibernian)
The centre-back was his usual composed self as Hibs got the better of St Mirren in Saturday’s clash. Hanlon was just as good at starting attacks as he was at ending them.
MR - Blair Spittal (Dundee United)
United were clearly the better side in their meeting with Kilmarnock, but victory would not have been as comfortable, or even assured at all, were it not for the contribution of the young attacker. Playing in the wing-back role, Spittal had two assists and scored twice - all of which occurred before half-time. This week’s star man.
MC - Ryan Dow (Dundee United)
The natural winger looked just as comfortable operating in the No 10 role during United’s emphatic win over Kilmarnock. His running beyond the defence and linking in the channels kept his side’s attacks flowing through a devastating first-half display.
MC - Jackson Irvine (Ross County)
The County centre midfielder was back to his swashbuckling, all-action best as County beat Motherwell 2-1. He nabbed the opening goal and would endear himself to his supporters further after battling on despite suffering a broken nose. All of this and he wasn’t even meant to start.
MC - Kyle Wilkie (East Fife)
The East Fife midfielder put in a match-winning performance to help his side overcome an early deficit at East Stirlingshire. Wilkie produced a terrific run and goal to equalise before seeing Nathan Austin tap home for the second after his shot was saved.
ML - Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic)
It’s been a terrific week for Gary Mackay-Steven, who’s come back into the team and immediately been in among the goals and assists in two home wins for Celtic. His performance in the 3-1 win over St Johnstone was particularly eye-catching as he netted twice and was his side’s man of the match.
AM - Barrie McKay (Rangers)
Another unplayable performance from the young Rangers attacker, this time coming in an unfamiliar role in the centre. The position shift allowed him to get on the ball much more and he was able to constantly drive at the Morton defence, eventually netting the game-clinching second goal.
FC - Jordan Preston (Ayr United)
The on-loan Blackburn Rovers striker netted either side of a Ryan Stevenson strike as Ayr United registered an impressive away win at Albion Rovers. The Honest Men still trail Dunfermline by seven points, but it was an important win nonetheless as they look to close the gap and bring the title race down to the wire.
