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Boruc and Naka leading race to be top Bhoy
 
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ARTUR BORUC celebrates Celtic's Champions League win over Manchester United
ARTUR BORUC celebrates Celtic's Champions League win over Manchester United
 

by Ronnie Cully

IT'S not just an SPL and Tennent's Scottish Cup double Celtic players are chasing in the next few weeks.

The Parkhead squad are also involved in a red hot race to claim other major prizes with voting now open for the club's Player of the Year awards.

The clear favourites are Shunsuke Nakamura and Artur Boruc, both of whom have been major contributors.

The Japanese playmaker peaked with his wonder free-kicks against Manchester United in the Champions League.

But Boruc was also a star when Sir Alex Ferguson's side came to Parkhead, defying Louis Saha from close range then from the penalty spot as Celtic won 1-0 to secure their place in the knockout stages for the first time ever.

The Polish keeper's fabulous performance in the San Siro last week is another reason he will be a strong challenger to Naka's claim to the crown.

The voting opportunity has already sparked strong debate, and other top performers this season - including defenders Lee Naylor and Stephen McManus plus top scorer Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - are sure to have many supporters.

Fans can vote in three different categories: Carling Fans' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Goal of the Season.

The players will also get the chance to vote for the team-mate they believe has made the most significant contribution, while the club's Top Goalscorer award is still up for grabs as Vennegoor is only three ahead of Maciej Zurawski.

There will also be a Special Contribution/Recognition Award. Details on how to vote can be found at celticfc.net/poty

Publication date 16/03/07


- Celtic Player of the Year awards
Posted by: Colin Hunter, London on 1:17pm Fri 16 Mar 07
It's a hard choice to make as both have been outstanding, but i think Naka may just nick it due to him being an out field player
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Posted by: James on 3:05pm Fri 16 Mar 07
I think Barry Ferguson will end up winning it!

Boruc has been sensational this season. I wonder what fuss the media would make of him if he was Scottish?
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Posted by: George Murray on 5:56pm Fri 16 Mar 07
I doubt if Bazza will win the Celtic fans' player of the year award which is what the article is about.
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Posted by: stevo, glasgow on 8:09pm Fri 16 Mar 07
It's a tough one this year. naka is a magician and has scored many a vital goal. boruc has saved many a vital goal, but i would have to put Lee Naylor top of my list. Considering how much he cost, and how wrong he has proved the doubters i cant see past him. Shows how well the team are doing when there are a good few up for it
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Posted by: TIMAHOY, Canada on 11:54pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Unfortunately Celtic have a number of players worthy of POTY namely Boruc, Nak, McManus and Aiden which will split the vote and perhaps allow someone much, much less worthy to receive it
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Posted by: Terry Myles, North Queensferry on 10:40am Sat 17 Mar 07
BORUC JUST PIPS NAKA FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN EUROPE BUT POUND FOR POUND I THINK LEE NAYLOR HAS BEEN BRILLIANT FOR CELTIC THIS SEASON.
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Posted by: greg, Republic NE on 10:53am Sat 17 Mar 07
anyone considered voting for PLG?
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Posted by: Jimmy McGee, Victoria, BC, Canada on 2:53am Sun 18 Mar 07
Let me join all Scotsmen in saying....C'Mon Falkirk, c'mon St. Johnstone.....here's to you making it an Old Firm double!
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