Chris Sutton names impressive Ange Celtic signing as his player of the year

By Lewis Laird

May 6, 2022

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has named Cameron Carter Vickers as his player of the year in Scotland after his performances in the Hoops backline this season.

Arriving on deadline day in the summer, the on-loan Tottenham defender has been one of Postecoglou’s most consistent performers.

His performances have even earned him a recall to the American national team for the first time in three years, where he will be given a chance to impress ahead of the World Cup later this year.

However, the 23-year old didn’t pick up any awards at the end of season ceremony, only being nominated for the writer’s award, which Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon took home.

Writing in his column for the Daily Record, Sutton named Carter Vickers as his player of the year, despite the impressive performances of Callum McGregor.

The Englishman also insisted that Carter Vickers has played the most important role in the fortune of any side across the Scottish Premiership.

“Cameron Carter-Vickers has been Scotland’s Player of the Year.

“When Celtic run out against Hearts on Saturday, the home side will be led by Callum McGregor, who was the recipient of the PFA Scotland award.

“The visitors will be headed onto the park by Craig Gordon, who got the vote from the SFWA.

“Both have been outstanding this season. Both have made major contributions to the successful seasons of their respective clubs.

“But I have not seen anyone around the country who has played a more important role in the fortunes of their team than Carter-Vickers.

“From the moment he arrived at Parkhead just a few minutes before the close of last summer’s transfer window from Spurs, he has been terrific.

“Carter-Vickers has grown into his role week on week to such an extent that, if his name is missing from a team sheet, it would cause the fans as much panic as the removal of anyone else within the entire squad. That’s a sign of his importance.”

He continued, “Carter-Vickers has been a shield in front of him. He has always been available to his manager. He has rarely missed a match, and that robust nature is vitally important for a centre-back.

“Teams have to know they have a rock they can depend on week on week to give the platform for them to have success.

“Carter-Vickers has been that guy. For that reason, he is my Player of the Year.”

Carter Vickers deserves recognition for performances this season.

Celtic fans have made it clear on social media that they are keen to see Cameron Carter Vickers sign up on a permanent deal next season, and there is good reason for that.

The central defender has been solid at the back this season and deserved to be within the conversation for player of the year in Scotland.

Several players have had a significant impact on Celtic’s season, going on different runs of good form.

However, it could be argued that Carter Vickers is one of our most important with how consistent he has been, alongside Carl Starfelt in the Hoops defence.

That isn’t to say, though, that Celtic captain Callum McGregor didn’t also deserve the end of season reward. Both players have had an incredible season and deserve all the praise coming their way.

In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s smart Lennoxtown move this week.