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L107 SPL TEAM OF THE WEEK BY IAIN ANDERSON

Another exciting week in the SPL saw a number of stunning goals and saves as Rangers moved a point clear with a game in hand. Celtic let a lead slip in the last ten minutes against Dundee United for their first defeat against the Terrors in ten years. Aberdeen saved a point against Motherwell, Falkirk eased past Hamilton and in form Hibs were held to a draw against St Mirren, while St Johnstone pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory at Tynecastle.

But who stood out and who were the match winners?

Goalkeeper – John Ruddy (Motherwell)

Although the on-loan Everton man didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet, his performance throughout Motherwell’s game with Aberdeen was nothing short of exceptional. Ruddy produced a point blank save from Lee Miller early in the first half and ensured his team went in one ahead with another superb save from Michael Paton just before half time.

Defender – Chris Mitchell (Falkirk)

The Scotland Under-21 international showed his prowess from set pieces again on Saturday as he scored a sensational 20 yard free-kick to give Falkirk the lead against a lacklustre Hamilton Accies side. His delivery from wide areas was precise as ever, and Falkirk are now just a point behind their beaten opponents.

Defender – Danny Wilson (Rangers)

Another week, and another imperious performance from the latest Murray Park product. He looks like he has been playing alongside David Weir for the last four years, never mind the last four games. Surprisingly, for a 17 year old, he seems to spend most of the game telling his teammates where to position themselves instead of being told himself. Wilson is an absolute certainty for the SPL Young Player of the Month.

Defender – David Weir (Rangers)

While Weir isn’t getting any faster, his ability to win almost every header and bring the best out in those around him seems to become greater with age. Another comfortable performance against Kilmarnock helped Rangers seal the three points by the 38th minute and he didn’t have to strain himself with a Champions League tie looming.

Defender – Chris Innes (St Mirren)

St Mirren’s defence has performed admirably this year and Saturday was no different as they ground out a well earned point from in-form Hibs. Chris Innes has started well for his new club after move from Livingston earlier this year and capped off an excellent start to the season with the equaliser against John Hughes’ men.

Midfield – Alex Neil (Hamilton)

Playing in his first game competitive match in six months, the Hamilton skipper looked like he had never been away as he slotted in effortlessly in front of the back four. Calm on the ball and always looking for the simple pass, Billy Reid will be delighted to have his captain back. The result may have soured the occasion, but Neil will be pleased with his comeback. Eventually ran out of steam and was replaced with Flavio Paixao after the hour mark.

Midfield – Landry N’Guemo (Celtic)

The Cameroonian put in one of his better performances in a Celtic jersey at Tannadice on Sunday, even if the result didn’t go Celtic’s way. Solid in the tackle, strong in the air and rarely gave the ball away on what was a poor playing surface. A slow starter at his new club after his move from Nancy, but he is now beginning to repay Tony Mowbray’s faith in him.

Midfield – Prince Buaben (Dundee United)

The young United midfielder put in another solid performance as his team ground out a famous victory against Celtic on Sunday. His stamina levels are through the roof, a fact made more impressive by the heavy pitch. Played his role in an excellent battle with fellow Team of The Week member Landry N’Guemo and showed rare touches of brilliance in a game that was high on excitement but low on quality. His stock continues to rise.

Striker – Christian Nade (Hearts)

The ex-Sheffield United hitman gave fans what has proven to be a rare glimpse of his Premiership form in Hearts’ defeat to St Johnstone on Saturday. The less-than-prolific striker spun away from a defender and unleashed an exocet from fully 30 yards which found the far corner of the net.

Striker – Derek Riordan (Hibernian)

Riordan has found a new lease of life under John Hughes after his disappointing spell at Celtic. His goal against St Mirren on Saturday was his fifth SPL goal of the season and his sixth in all competitions. On a day of wonderful goals, Riordan got in on the act with a 25 yarder that left St Mirren goalie Paul Gallacher with no chance whatsoever.

Striker – Lukas Jutkiewicz (Motherwell)

As one Everton loanee kept Aberdeen out at one end, another scored Motherwell’s all-important goal against Aberdeen. Forty seconds after John Ruddy’s point blank save from Lee Miller, Lukas Jutkiewicz made the most of the space afforded to him in Aberdeen’s penalty area and finished low into the goalkeeper’s near post. It was his fifth goal in ten appearances for Jim Gannon’s side in what is turning out to be a very successful loan spell.