Team of the Week

GK – Trevor Carson (St. Mirren)
St. Mirren faced an uphill struggle in their meeting with Killie at Rugby Park, with Ethan Erhahon sent off after just eight minutes. Trevor Carson was busy between the sticks and made some crucial saves to help his side grind out a vital point in a 0-0 draw.

DEF – Alistair Johnston (Celtic)
Talk about getting thrown in at the deep end. January signing Johnston made his Celtic debut on derby day at Ibrox and was probably the best player in a Hoops jersey. Positive with the ball and hard-working without it, Johnston looks like a shrewd acquisition for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

DEF – Alex Iacovitti (Ross County)
While scoring goals remains the Staggies’ biggest issue, they put in a rigid defensive display at Pittodrie, winning a point from a 0-0 draw. Any of County’s back line could have made our team but we’ve gone for Iacovitti, who made a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half and was solid throughout.

DEF – Lee Kilday (Queen’s Park)
Top of the table. Five league wins on the bounce. Queen’s Park are flying! They continued their fabulous run with a 2-0 Glasgow derby victory (in Stenhousemuir) over Partick Thistle. Lee Kilday continues to be one of the Championship’s top defenders in 22/23 and was in sensational form in the win over the Jags.

MID – Danny Handling (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh seem to relish playing against Airdrie this season. In three league meetings, they have won all three, scoring 14 goals in the process. Monday’s meeting saw the Citizens come from 2-0 behind to clinch a remarkable 5-3 win on the road. Star winger Handling remains one of the division’s best players this season – he scored twice and showed his quality throughout.

MID – Craig Sibbald (Dundee United)
The Terrors have had something of a resurgence in recent weeks. Unbeaten in their last three league matches with two wins on the bounce. Monday’s victory over St. Johnstone showed the very best of United’s battling qualities, as they fought to clinch a 1-0 win on the road. Midfielder Sibbald has been in imperious form lately and put in another top performance at McDiarmid Park.

MID – Brad Spencer (Raith Rovers)
After a couple of weeks of missed opportunities the Rovers got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory away to the Championship’s bottom club, Hamilton. There were top performances across the park from Tom Lang, Dylan Easton and Brad Spencer. We’ve gone for Spencer who brought control and ability to the middle of the park for Ian Murray’s side.

MID – Yasin Ben El-Mhanni (Arbroath)
Arguably the most eye-catching result of the weekend came from Dens Park, where Arbroath knocked Dundee off top spot in the Championship with a comprehensive 4-2 win. Former Newcastle United starlet Ben El-Mhanni lit up the left wing on his Lichties debut. His pace, skill, trickery and final product saw him set up two of Arbroath’s goals on an afternoon to remember!

FWD – Fashion Sakala (Rangers)
It was honours even between Rangers and Celtic in the first derby clash of 2023, with Kyogo’s late equaliser denying Rangers the perfect start to the new year. Nonetheless, from an individual display perspective, Gers forward Sakala was arguably the best player on the park. His pace, skill and direct running was a threat all afternoon, with the Zambian playing a huge part in both goals.

FWD – Billy Mckay (Inverness CT)
There could only be one Star Man this week! Highland goalscoring icon Billy Mckay was at his brilliant best on Monday afternoon, scoring a hat-trick as the Caley Jags thrashed Cove Rangers 6-1 at the Caledonian Stadium. A header, a penalty kick and a tap-in from ICT’s main man up front ensures he claims the Star Man berth. Well played, Billy!

FWD – Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)
Derby day at Tynecastle proved to be a fruitful one for those of a Maroon persuasion, with the Jambos pulling off a fine 3-0 win at home to their city rivals. Stephen Humphrys made a goalscoring return to cap off the victory but it’s Lawrence Shankland who takes a place in our team. The Premiership’s top marksman (jointly with Kyogo) scored a pair of first-half goals to take his tally to 15.