PFA Scotland Awards Set for Next Month
James Wilson is among four players shortlisted for PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year award. The 18-year-old Hearts striker has stood out this season despite his club’s challenges and recently made history by becoming the youngest player ever to represent Scotland at senior international level.
Wilson’s fellow nominees include Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, Rangers forward Hamza Igamane, and Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller. Both Wilson and Miller were included in last month’s Scotland squad as acknowledgment of their development at club level.
PFA Scotland today confirmed the nominees for their top awards across the Premiership, Championship, League One, and League Two. Honors for the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) Player and Young Player of the Year will also be presented at a gala event at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Sunday, May 4.
Earlier this month, Wilson spoke to the Edinburgh News about his international journey, revealing he had previously played for Northern Ireland at youth level before committing to Scotland. He made his senior debut during Scotland’s UEFA Nations League play-off second leg against Greece at Hampden Park.
“I always wanted to play for Scotland. Luckily, I got the chance,” he explained. “I had a spell with Northern Ireland’s Under-17s after they approached me before Scotland’s Under-16s. It was a great opportunity to experience something different, and I enjoyed it.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Wilson described the opportunity to train and play alongside elite European players as invaluable. “Seeing their standards, training methods, and preparation was a real eye-opener. Once the international break ended, my focus quickly shifted back to Hearts. It’s all about taking things one step at a time.”
Wilson’s historic debut and strong club form position him as a leading contender for the Young Player of the Year award, though he faces stiff competition from rivals at Celtic, Rangers, and Motherwell. On Sunday evening, he received a Special Recognition award at Hearts’ Player of the Year ceremony.
Full list of PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominees:
Premiership Player of the Year: Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kühn (all Celtic), Simon Murray (Dundee).
Young Player of the Year: Arne Engels (Celtic), Hamza Igamane (Rangers), James Wilson (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Motherwell).
Championship Player of the Year: Brad Spencer, Calvin Miller (both Falkirk), Jay Henderson (Ayr United), Robbie Muirhead (Livingston).
League One Player of the Year: Fraser Fyvie, Mitch Megginson (both Cove Rangers), Fraser Taylor, Scott Stewart (both Arbroath).
League Two Player of the Year: Alan Trouten, Andy Munro (both East Fife), Andrew McCarthy, Cieran Dunne (both Peterhead).
SWPL Player of the Year: Eilidh Adams (Hibernian), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Katie Wilkinson (Rangers), Samantha van Diemen (Glasgow City).
SWPL Young Player of the Year: Eilidh Adams (Hibernian), Erin Husband (Hearts), Hannah Jordan (Spartans), Laura Berry (Rangers).
