A weekend where Celtic ominously moved into top spot thus probably ending any realistic prospects of another team winning the title. A weekend where speculation over Dundee United boss Peter Houston’s future intensified following their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Inverness. A weekend where Kilmarnock turned over Hearts on their own patch for the fourth match in succession.
A weekend where the monkey came off the back of the Aberdeen players who finally secured a home win.
And of course a weekend which contained a game unlikely to be matched in terms of goalmouth thrills and spills again this season as St Mirren overcame Ross County in a nine goal epic.
So plenty of highlights and here are the men who made it an SPL weekend to remember.
- Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster (Celtic)
In a weekend where goals where aplenty its difficult to pick out a keeper who deserves the number one slot in this side. Though the big Celtic goalie may not have had much to do as the Hoops overran Motherwell another clean sheet for Forster can do no harm in his chances of making a breakthrough into the England national set up.
- Left back: Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic)
Honduran Izaguirre has yet to reach the level of performance which won him the Player of the year in 2011 but the speedy left back is slowly returning back to top form.
The Celtic defender was impressive in the 2-0 victory at Fir Park and Neil Lennon will be hoping he maintains a high level of consistency as Celtic chase a second successive title.
- Centre half: Efi Ambrose (Celtic)
For years Celtic supporters have craved a no nonsense centre back in the mould of Billy McNeil and in Efi Ambrose they may have finally landed one. Nigerian international Ambrose simply strolled through his sides latest win and though it is early to judge it does look like Neil Lennon has signed someone who will go on to be a fans favourite.
- Centre half: Ryan O’Leary (Kilmarnock)
Being the nephew of one of English football’s finest defenders, David, cannot be easy when you want to make it as a centre half yourself but big Ryan can be proud of his continued development.
O’Leary was excellent at the heart of the Killie defence as Kenny Shiels men triumphed at Tynecastle snuffing out the threat from the Hearts attack.
- Right back: Dave Mackay (St Johnstone)
Ok he may not be anywhere near as good as his legendary namesake but Mackay can be pleased with his efforts as he made a valuable contribution to the Saints as the Perth men won for the third game on the bounce. Not too flashy but nonetheless effective, Mackay is one of the SPL most consistent performers and someone Steve Lomas can rely on.
- Midfielder: Scott Brown (Celtic)
Celtic captain Brown’s return to the Celtic team has coincided with a return to winning ways for Neil Lennons team. Okay he may have missed a penalty, for the second successive match, but Brown was at the heart of the hoops 2-0 win at Motherwell with a typical all action, assertive showing.
- Midfielder: Gavin Rae (Aberdeen)
Not renowned for his goalscoring exploits former Scotland international Rae grabbed the winner for the Dons as high flying Hibs were sunk 2-1 at Pittodrie. The experienced campaigner put in a forceful display helping to break up the visitors attacking moves as well as snatching the reds vital second goal.
- Midfielder: Andrew Shinnie (Inverness Caley Thistle)
Upset of the weekend was seen at the Tulloch stadium as Terry Butcher’s ICT crushed sorry Dundee United 4-0 with Andrew Shinnie grabbing the third. He may also have earned a caution but this would not have taken the gloss of a fine display from the former Rangers youth.
- Forward: Kris Commons (Celtic)
Surely on the brink of a recall to the national set up Commons was superb as the celts moved to the top of the table after victory in Lanarkshire. His brilliant first half through ball to Gary Hooper helped the hoops take the lead in an afternoon which he posed no end of problems for the Motherwell backline.
- Forward: Richie Foran (Inverness Caley Thistle)
ICT hitman Foran helped put Dundee United to the sword with two goals in the Highland teams stuffing of the Tangerines.
His first was an excellent 18 yard strike and the Irish striker turned provider for the hosts third when he set up Andrew Shinnie to slot home.
- Forward: Cilian Sheridan (Kilmarnock)
Nomadic frontman Sheridan claims he has finally found his home now which will be music to the ears of the Killie faithful especially after the big Irishman plundered his way to a hat trick at Tynecastle.
It was the ex Celtic strikers first senior treble as the Ayrshire side moved into third in the table.
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