More than a few Google searches were set off when PFA Scotland announced Charlie Reilly among the nominees for their Young Player of the Year award.
Liel Abada and Matt O’Riley are among the four contenders alongside Malik Tillman but the Albion Rovers forward is something of a wild-card.
While the Celtic duo prepare for a trophy presentation and a Scottish Cup Final Reilly will be facing up to Spartans home and away as he attempts to keep Rovers in the SPFL.
A total of 22 goals from 34 matches is good going in any language but it says a lot about the lack of talent in the Scottish game when no-one from any of the clubs between second and 40th place in the SPFL has made the short list for the award.
Rovers have scored 47 goals in 36 matches with Reilly netting almost half of that total.
Going into this season the 21-year-old hadn’t scored a goal in senior football during spells at Hamilton, Partick Thistle and Aidrie- however the Play Off goes and the outcome of the PFA award Reilly can expect to have plenty of offers to consider over where to play next season.
Your @firstpointusa Men’s Young Player of the Year Nominees – as voted for by the players ???@charliereilly_1 – @albionrovers ?
Liel Abada – @CelticFC ?
Malik Tillman – @RangersFC ? @mattoriley8 – @CelticFC ? pic.twitter.com/ZXKzFrJCOR— PFA Scotland (@PFAScotland) May 10, 2023
While it would not be justified, I would bet my salary on the award going to the guy from the youngest club.
Aye, these things balance themselves out over the season … not!
Beale must be an absolute cert for manager of the year.