Emma Lawton has claimed her spot in the PFA Scotland SWPL Team of the Year. She is the only Celtic Women player in the squad.
The list, which is voted for by the players in the Scottish Women's Premier League, was revealed on Saturday. Lawton takes her spot in the backline, being recognised by her peers for her fantastic performances throughout the season.
The full SWPL Team of the Year for 25/26
- Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
- Emma Lawton (Celtic)
- Erin Husband (Hearts)
- Danique Ypema (Hearts)
- Amy Muir (Glasgow City)
- May Cruft (Rangers)
- Eilidh Shore (Hearts)
- Kim Shin-Ji (Rangers)
- Georgia Timms (Hearts)
- Katie Wilkinson (Rangers)
- Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City)
This is the third season in a row that Lawton has been named in the Team of the Year, highlighting her consistency. Although the Hoops have been struggling, she remains one of the bright spots in this team.
Plenty to be excited about with Lawton in the squad
With Celtic barely holding on in the SWPL title race, there is still a lot to be excited about with Lawton, no matter what happens this season.
In the summer, a whopping 16 players will reach the end of their contracts. With many likely to leave, that means there will be a lot of work to do in the transfer market. Thankfully, Lawton isn't one of the ones approaching the end of her deal, which means that Grant Scott should look to build around her.
She is arguably the best player in the squad and is quickly becoming a regular in the Scotland national team. However, Celtic could be without her for a period of time, as she has retracted from the recent camp due to injury.
Injured Lawton could be a problem
Celtic are in a difficult position if they want to have a chance at the SWPL title, and with Lawton injured, that's going to have a massive impact on performances.
Hopefully, the injury won't be too bad, but we are still awaiting details as to the extent of it. The defender is focusing on her recovery, so fingers crossed that it won't take her long to get back to her best.
In the meantime, we can look to Maddi Wilde to replace her. The fullback is on loan to Celtic from London City Lionesses, and she has put in some brilliant performances this season. She should see us through until we can get Lawton back, and who knows, maybe she can even retain her spot if she does as well as we know she is capable of.
Add us as a preferred source on Google