As the season reaches its halfway point, there is still much to play for in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic may be well on their way to a third consecutive league title, but Aberdeen, Dundee United, Inverness, Motherwell and St Johnstone are all battling for the two remaining European places. Meanwhile, at the wrong end of the table, Hearts look doomed following their 15-point deduction but St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Ross County will all be desperate to avoid a potential slide in to the Championship through the playoffs.
Without further ado, here is the VAVEL team of the season so far.
Goalkeeper: Jamie Langfield (Aberdeen)
He divides the Aberdeen support like no other, but the stats don't lie; 'Clangers' is the most in-form goalkeeper in the division. With 12 clean sheets from 19 games, and having saved more than seventy per cent of shots this season, he is displaying the kind of form which earned him a Scotland call-up in years gone by, and has proved time and time again why he is the Dons' number one.
Defender: Graeme Shinnie (Inverness)
A marauding left-back by trade, Shinnie has also filled in on the right flank this season and has impressed both defensively and going forward, providing several assists for his team-mates and chipping in with a number of crucial goals. Having also filled in as captain at times this season, Shinnie has repaid the faith Caley Thistle showed when they signed him from Rangers in 2009.
Defender: Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen)
He might have endured a torrid spell at Sheffield Wednesday, but the former Motherwell man has resurrected his career at Pittodrie. Blessed with pace more befitting a winger than a central defender, this enables him to keep even the most lively attackers under control, and he displayed his eye for goal with a fine header against his former club.
Defender: Andrew Robertson (Dundee United)
Like Shinnie, November’s player of the month is a left-sided full-back who loves to get forward. A summer signing from League 2 side Queen’s Park, Robertson has made the step up with ease and plays a vital role getting forward as part of the league’s most potent attack.
Midfielder: Richie Foran (Inverness)
Having shaken off the disciplinary problems which dogged his early career with Motherwell, Foran has matured since being made captain and now plays a deeper role for Caley Thistle. The grit he adds to the midfield allows Aaron Doran and Nick Ross to get forward in support of the attack, and there is no doubt that when he is absent Inverness are much less effective.
Midfielder: Ryan Gauld (Dundee United)
What else is there to say about the mercurial 18-year-old, christened ‘Mini Messi’ by the Tannadice faithful? Having broken into the first team at just 16, Gauld is now the focal point of the Arabs’ attacks and has attracted attention from Europe’s top clubs. With Everton manager Roberto Martinez rumoured to be travelling to Tannadice to look him in person, United may well soon receive an offer they cannot refuse.
Midfielder: Kris Commons (Celtic)
Former Scotland midfielder Commons has enjoyed something of a renaissance this season at Celtic Park. His goals from midfield have ensured he remains a fans’ favourite, and he is surely a key man in making sure the Bhoys continue their unbeaten league run into the New Year.
Midfielder: Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen)
At one stage, it looked as though Pawlett’s time at Pittodrie had come to an end. However, after a loan spell at St Johnstone, new manager Derek McInnes has converted the former winger into an attacking midfielder, with devastating results. Adding goals to his game, Pawlett is a vital component in the Dons’ challenge for European football.
Forward: Billy McKay (Inverness)
The Northern Ireland international is enjoying another sensational season in the Highland capital, scoring 14 goals in 16 league games. Attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs south of the border, it may become harder and harder for Caley Thistle to hold onto their prized asset the longer his excellent form continues.
Forward: Stevie May (St Johnstone)
Following a loan spell at Hamilton last season, May has become the main man for the Saints, scoring an impressive eight goals. The Perth side managed to hold off interest from England and May has repaid them, causing no end of problems for defences. Having been called up for Scotland Under-21s earlier in the season, a place in the full squad will not be far away if he can keep scoring.
Forward: Niall McGinn (Aberdeen)
After scoring 20 goals as a striker last season, McGinn has found himself playing on the wing this year but has not let the goals dry up. With eight already, the Northern Ireland international has become a key man for club and country, showing former club Celtic just what they’re missing out on. He signed a new contract at the end of last season, which could be one of the best bits of business Aberdeen have done for several seasons.
Who just missed out?
Jamie MacDonald (Goalkeeper, Hearts)
John Souttar (Defender, Dundee United)
Conrad Balatoni (Defender, Partick Thistle)
Michael Hector (Defender, Aberdeen)
Virgil van Dijk (Defender, Celtic)
Ryan Jack (Midfielder, Aberdeen)
Stuart Armstrong (Midfielder, Dundee United)
Gary Mackay-Steven (Midfielder, Dundee United)
Kris Boyd (Forward, Kilmarnock)
Kris Doolan (Forward, Partick Thistle)