Six leading candidates for Scotland's Player of the Year - Celtic quartet, Rangers star, Hearts talisman

There are nine games left in this season's Scottish Premiership, which means time is running out for players to stake a claim to be crowned Scotland's Player of the Year.

There are three awards up for grabs – namely the PFA Scotland Player of the Year, the Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year, and the cinch Premiership Player of the Year – and nominations are expected to land soon.

Last year saw Celtic captain Callum McGregor claim the coveted PFA award – voted for by fellow players – while Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon lifted the other two, chosen by journalists and fans respectively.

With Celtic currently leading Rangers by nine points and closing in a second successive title under Ange Postecoglou, a number of Parkhead stars are sure to be in the running for the 2022-23 awards.

Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi is among the frontrunners for the Player of the Year award. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

But there are players from other clubs who have also had outstanding campaigns and who deserve consideration. Here are six frontrunners for the end of season awards...

Kyogo Furuhashi - Celtic

The striker has made a mockery of his omission from the Japan squad with a stunning array of goals and all-round play for Celtic this season. The 28-year-old is the top scorer in the country having hit the back of the net 26 times in 41 appearances, including a double in the recent Viaplay Cup final win over Rangers.

Reo Hatate - Celtic

Another Japanese star overlooked by the national side but whose worth to Celtic is clear. After making a good first impression in the second half of last season following his January arrival, the 25-year-old midfielder has taken his game to another level this term, consistently dictating games while also contributing eight goals and nine assists.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic

The US international has been a rock at the heart of the Celtic defence again this season after making his loan move from Tottenham permanent in the summer. The Hoops have the best defensive record in the division and much of that is down to the presence of the 25-year-old powerhouse.

Daizen Maeda - Celtic

The only Japanese star at Celtic deemed worthy of an international call-up has been in terrific form this season. His stats are relatively impressive with 10 goals and six assists but his biggest contribution is not measured in such metrics with his tireless running and pressing one of the key facets of the team.

James Tavernier - Rangers

The Ibrox captain is now just two away from hitting the 100-goal mark for Rangers after another prolific campaign from right-back. 15 goals and seven assists are crazy numbers for a defender - even taking into account the number of penalties scored. The 31-year-old remains a driving force in his eighth season at the club.

Lawrence Shankland - Hearts

Returning to Scotland last summer after a difficult season in Belgium, the 27-year-old has proved to be one of the signings of the season. He recently became the first Hearts striker since John Robertson to hit 20 goals in a season and has taken over the mantle of club captain. A big reason why Hearts are on course for another third place finish.