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Izaguirre lands top gong

Image: Izaguirre: Named as Scottish PFA Player of the Year

Emilio Izaguirre has won the Scottish PFA Player of the Year award, while David Goodwillie has scooped the Young Player gong.

Izaguirre named Scottish PFA Player of the Year, Goodwillie is Young Player

Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre has scooped the Scottish PFA Player of the Year award, while Dundee United's David Goodwillie has received the Young Player award. The pair were announced as winners at a dinner in Glasgow on Sunday, with Izaguirre beating off competition from team-mate Gary Hooper, as well as Rangers' Steven Naismith and Alexei Eremenko of Kilmarnock to lift the crown. Hooper was also among the nominees for the PFA Scotland's Young Player of the Year award but lost out again to Goodwillie, while Aberdeen's Chris Maguire and Hearts winger David Templeton also made the shortlist. Left-back Izaguirre has been a vital part of Neil Lennon's side as Celtic go for the title, while Goodwillie has netted 18 goals this term for the Tangerines. Ironically, the two winners played against each other earlier on Sunday as Celtic beat Dundee United 4-1 to move back to within one point of Rangers at the top of the SPL. Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby hailed Izaguirre's impact at the club after joining the Hoops on a four-year contract from Motagua in his homeland after playing for Honduras in the World Cup last summer. "Emilio has probably been the signing of the season and it's brilliant for him to win," the Swede said.

Absolutely marvellous

"He has been absolutely marvellous. He is maybe not the best left-back in the world but he is up there. "I think this boy has every chance to be one of the best in the world." Goodwillie, 22, was delighted - but surprised - to lift his award. He said: "I was actually surprised because I thought Hooper would have got it. He's an exceptional player and he is one that I look up to. "It means everything, I felt I have had a good season and it's good to know other people have noticed that, including the players. "I will probably go and phone my mum now and tell her I've won. She will be really proud."

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