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"Celtic" forward Shaun Maloney was recognized as not only the best young player, but also the best player in the Scottish Premier League. This is the first time that both awards have been given to one athlete.
This season, the 23-year-old S. Maloney helped "Celtic" secure the title of Scottish champions earlier than usual.
Upon receiving the awards, the forward said about the double recognition: "No one has managed to achieve this before, so it is a great honor."
In the voting, S. Maloney surpassed his teammate Stilian Petrov, "Rangers" player Kris Boyd, and Edinburgh "Hearts" defender Rudi Skacel.
K. Boyd, Chris Burke from "Rangers," and "Kilmarnock" forward Steven Naismith were the main competitors for the title of best young player.
During the awards ceremony, S. Maloney said: "Individually, my competitors are very strong, playing against them you understand how good footballers they are, so it is a great honor to be chosen the best."
In similar Scottish football journalists' voting, "Hearts" goalkeeper Craig Gordon triumphed, and S. Naismith was chosen as the best young player.
