With the Premiership title confirmed, it’s time for the second annual Full Scottish Team of the Season for 2016
The Full Scottish with Brian P. Dunleavy
GOALKEEPER
Neil Alexander, Hearts
The former Rangers ’keeper has resurrected his career in Edinburgh, back-stopping a stingy defense that allowed the second-fewest number of goals in the Prem. He’s not the comeback story Celtic’s Craig Gordon was last season, but he deserves plaudits all the same.
DEFENDERS
Graeme Shinnie, Aberdeen
There was a temptation to follow the herd here and go with Celtic’s Kieran Tierney, but Shinnie made our list last season and we see no need to exclude him this term. A huge signing for the Dons.
Igor Rossi, Hearts
Rossi is among the team leaders in appearances and minutes played, despite missing much of the latter part of the season with a groin injury. He plays with a bit of an edge, which means he’s not very popular outside Tynecastle, but his team’s defensive record speaks to his value.
Ash Taylor, Aberdeen
The 25-year-old Welshman has come out of relative obscurity—or at least Tranmere Rovers—to feature regularly in the center of defense for the second-best side in Scotland. He has shown an ability to score from the back as well.
Callum Paterson, Hearts
The 21-year-old has emerged as a real talent for Robbie Neilson’s side, and finishes the season among the leaders in appearances and minutes played for the first team. His ability to get forward has yielded five goals and three assists as well.
MIDFIELDERS
Niall McGinn, Aberdeen
The Irishman almost ranked with us last season, but we couldn’t pass him by this time around. Ten goals and 12 assists is a nice return.
Michael Gardyne, Ross County
Gardyne has been Mr. Everything for the Dingwall side, which took home its first major trophy (the League Cup) this term.
Nir Bitton, Celtic
The Israeli nearly played himself off the team with a very quiet second half. Heading into the January transfer window, though, Bitton’s play in the center of the midfield for the Hoops was drawing raves, and attracting interest from English Premier League clubs.
STRIKERS
Adam Rooney, Aberdeen
Rooney makes our list for the second year in a row after topping the 20-goal mark again for the Dons. He may be the most consistent striker in Scottish football.
Leigh Griffiths, Celtic
Griffiths’ scoring record this term is second to none in Scotland. Where would the Hoops have been without him? Off-the-field antics nearly cost him his career, but he has recovered nicely, thank you.
Kane Hemmings, Dundee
Hemmings eclipsed the 20-goal mark for a surprising Dundee side that appears to be headed for a Top Six finish.
MANAGER
Jim McIntyre, Ross County
No, Ronny Deila was never in line for this spot, but his Old Firm counterpart—Rangers’ Mark Warburton—was certainly a contender, given the renaissance he has overseen at Ibrox. However, McIntyre gets the nod for guiding little County to the League Cup.
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