Prize Giving For The Scottish Football World

Last updated : 07 May 2012 By Ed_Scottishfitba

Charlie MulgrewScotland manager Craig Levein was on hand to divvy out the PFA Scotland annual awards at a dinner in Glasgow last night. Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew was voted player of the year with team mate James Forrest picking up the young player award. Levein paid tribute to the former Aberdeen and Wolves player who won his first cap in the friendly in Slovenia in February at the age of 25. This is quite a year for Mulgrew who was also named player of the year by Celtic team mates, the Celtic fans and the Scottish football writers. 
 
Levein said: "It's a great story, isn't it? He deserves it. You have to explain to people sometimes that football is not just about talent, it's about tenacity and believing in yourself. Charlie has had some setbacks in his career but he has bounced back tremendously well and I think he is a great example to other people. Sometimes kids get released or they have some disappointments and they don't respond in the right manner and they feel the world is against them. But Charlie is a great example of keep believing you can get there. I think it is a fantastic story. He played very well against Slovenia, I was pleased for him. No matter what age you are, it is a very big step up to play international football for the first time. He handled that very well and he was great around the group. It is a good night for Charlie and James and it's a good night for Celtic. James is injured but when we we come to our game against Australia, and then when we start our campaign in September, I would expect both of these guys to be involved."
 
Others in line to pick up prizes last night were Derek Adams, manager of First Division champions Ross County, who was named manager of the year: Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui (First Division player of the year), Cowdenbeath's Jon Robertson (Second Division player of the year) and  Alloa striker Stevie May (Third Division player of the year) while on-loan from St Johnstone. Former Rangers captain  Ally Dawson received a Special Merit award for his work with the Scotland Homeless team. Aberdeen striker Rory Fallon won goal of the season for his wonder strike in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Hibs at Hampden last month.