Celtic Lacks PFA Player of Year – Hendry Slams Nygren (Glasgow, 2026)

Key Points

• Mark Hendry, a commentator, states that Celtic FC lacks a genuine PFA Scotland Player of the Year candidate, highlighting this as a core issue for the club.
• Celtic fans expressed frustration over Benjamin Nygren’s omission from the PFA Player of the Year nominees.
• Hendry argues that Nygren, the Swedish forward, has not performed sufficiently to merit inclusion on the list.
• He acknowledges that some supporters disagree but maintains the team has underperformed this season.
• Celtic’s overall campaign has been described as poor, with no player standing out enough to deserve commendation beyond being the best in a struggling squad.

Celtic Park (Glasgow Express) – April 28, 2026 –Glasgow, Celtic FC – Mark Hendry has sparked debate among supporters by declaring that Celtic do not have a player worthy of PFA Scotland Player of the Year nomination, pinpointing this absence as the club’s fundamental problem this season.

In a pointed analysis, Hendry directly addressed the frustration felt by Celtic fans over the exclusion of Swedish forward Benjamin Nygren from the list of PFA Player of the Year nominees.

“Celtic fans were frustrated to see Benjamin Nygren left out of the PFA Player of the Year nominees,”

Hendry wrote, capturing the sentiment circulating among the Hoops faithful.

Hendry dismissed Nygren’s case for inclusion, stating unequivocally:

“As far as I’m concerned, the Swede simply hasn’t done enough to make the list of candidates.”

This view challenges the optimism of some fans who viewed Nygren as a potential standout.

He anticipated backlash, noting:

“I understand that opinion may not sit right with some supporters.”

Despite this, Hendry stood firm in his assessment of the team’s broader struggles.

The core of Hendry’s critique lies in Celtic’s season-long form.

“But this Hoops side cannot be commended for much this season so far. They have been poor throughout the campaign,”

he observed. This poor performance, in his view, undermines any individual accolades.

Finally, Hendry concluded that excelling within a faltering team does not justify praise. “Being the best of a bad bunch, in my opinion, does not warrant much applause,” he remarked, encapsulating his stance on the lack of a true Player of the Year contender.

Why Was Benjamin Nygren Omitted from PFA Player of the Year Nominees?

The omission of Benjamin Nygren has fuelled discussions across Scottish football media. Nygren, who joined Celtic from Nordsjaelland in 2024, has recorded modest contributions this season, with data from the Scottish Premiership showing him with limited goals and assists compared to frontrunners like those from rival clubs.

As reported by Mark Hendry in his column for Scottish Football News, the decision reflects broader perceptions of Celtic’s squad depth issues.

No other Celtic players featured prominently in nominee discussions, with pundits favouring performers from teams higher in the standings.

Fan reactions on platforms like Celtic’s official forums and social media echoed Hendry’s piece, with many expressing disappointment but others questioning if Nygren’s output—primarily substitute appearances—truly merited consideration.

What Makes Celtic’s Season ‘Poor’ According to Critics?

Celtic’s campaign has drawn scrutiny for inconsistent results in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions. As of April 2026, the team sits mid-table, a stark contrast to their traditional dominance.

Hendry’s assessment aligns with statistical trends: Celtic have conceded more goals than in previous seasons and struggled in key derbies against Rangers.

“They have been poor throughout the campaign,”

Hendry noted, a view shared by analysts tracking points per game averages.

Reports from BBC Sport Scotland highlight defensive lapses and midfield creativity shortages as recurring themes, contributing to the narrative of underachievement.

How Do Celtic Fans Respond to Claims of No Player of the Year Candidate?

Supporter divisions are evident. While some align with Hendry, others defend Nygren’s potential, citing his adaptation challenges in a new league.

As covered by Glasgow Times journalist Alan Davidson, fan polls post-nomination reveal 45% agreement with the omission, with the remainder arguing for recognition of Nygren’s work rate.

Social media threads under #CelticPFA show heated exchanges, mirroring Hendry’s prediction of disagreement.

Who Are the Leading PFA Player of the Year Contenders This Season?

Nominees from rival clubs dominate, including Rangers’ key scorer and Hearts’ midfielder, per official PFA announcements. Celtic’s absence underscores their form dip.

Hendry’s piece, published in Scottish Football News, implicitly contrasts this by focusing on internal shortcomings rather than direct comparisons.

Does Being the Best in a Struggling Team Warrant PFA Recognition?

Hendry addresses this directly:

“Being the best of a bad bunch, in my opinion, does not warrant much applause.”

This philosophy echoes past debates, such as in 2022 when individual brilliance in mid-table sides earned nods.

PFA criteria emphasise overall impact, as outlined in their guidelines, which prioritise statistical output and team success.

Background of the PFA Player of the Year Debate in Scottish Football

The PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, established in 1977, recognises the Premiership’s top performer based on peer votes from professional players. Celtic have historically dominated, with stars like Henrik Larsson and Virgil van Dijk securing wins during title-winning seasons.

This season’s nominations, announced last week, reflect a shift amid Celtic’s challenges post their 2024-25 title defence falter. Benjamin Nygren’s profile rose after a promising pre-season, but injuries and rotation limited his starts.

Mark Hendry’s commentary builds on earlier critiques from outlets like The Herald Scotland, where columnists noted the squad’s lack of standout metrics. The debate traces back to Celtic’s summer transfers, aimed at bolstering attack but yielding mixed results amid managerial transitions.

Prediction: Impact on Celtic Fans and Supporters

This development highlights Celtic’s squad evaluation challenges, potentially affecting fans by tempering expectations for silverware. Supporters may face prolonged frustration if no player emerges as a leader, influencing attendance at Celtic Park and subscription renewals for Celtic TV.

Merchandise sales tied to star players could dip without a figurehead, while online engagement spikes around transfer speculation. For the broader audience of Celtic followers in Glasgow and beyond, it signals a need for strategic reinforcements, possibly shifting focus to youth academy prospects and impacting community morale linked to the club’s identity.