Brown, Caldwell, Mendes and Davis shortlisted

Published on Wednesday 15 April 2009 22:49

THE Old Firm have two players each on the shortlist for the Professional Footballers' Association Scotland player of the year award. Celtic pair Scott Brown and Gary Caldwell – the defender has been mentioned as an early favourite – have been nominated along with Rangers midfielders Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes.

Hamilton Accies have two players in the running for the young player award, with the other two contenders coming from the capital.

Accies midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur are on the four-man shortlist along with Hearts winger Andrew Driver and Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher.

Footballers from across the four Scottish leagues cast their votes to arrive at the final short-lists. The winners will be announced and presented with their awards at a dinner at the Hilton Glasgow on 3 May, sponsored by Cheque Centre.

PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart said: "This is the top award for players. There is no greater honour in football than to be voted the best player in your country by your fellow professionals."

Karyn McKeirnan, head of external relations for Cheque Centre, said: "Cheque Centre is delighted to be sponsoring this prestigious awards event which recognises the undoubted talent seen by football fans every week in Scotland."

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady scooped both awards last season.

Meanwhile, Celtic promoted their own player of the year awards dinner yesterday, which will be held on 17 May, also at the Hilton Glasgow.