GORDON WOULD BE MY NO.1 FOR GONG

HEARTS keeper Craig Gordon is a worthy winner of the Player of the Year award.

Ach, maybe football writers do know what they are on about every now and again!

If it's important for strikers to stick the ball in the net, it's equally important for keepers to keep it out.

If a good striker is worth umpteen points to his team over the course of a season then so is a good No.1.

I don't go along with those who say keepers don't deserve honours and that these awards should always go to outfield players.

He's made a great contribution and is part of an 11 - man team that is on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

I'd have chosen Gordon, who has been in terrific form for club and country, and I'm also pleased Shaun Maloney pushed him close.

The striker has been rewarded with a run in the Celtic team and his development has been a big plus for Scottish football.

He is lively and energetic, looks keen to learn, and has proved he is in the first team on merit.

Speaking of Celtic, they have loaned Charlie Mulgrew to Dundee United and I've watched his contribution at Tannadice closely.

Initially I wondered why Gordon Strachan had allowed him out on loan but then it quickly dawned he is not good enough yet at what must be his primary concern - his defensive duties.

He'd have been an outside left 30 years ago but now he has joined the club of full-backs-cum-wing-backs who have trouble defending.

Mulgrew must improve on his defensive qualities if he is to go on and become a success in football.

He must be more aggressive and determined in defence and his reading of the game must improve.

If that happens, not only will Mulgrew feel the benefits - so too will Celtic and Dundee United.

Taken from the Daily Record