Republic of Ireland winger Jonny Hayes has capped a fantastic year by being named in the Scottish Premiership team of the year.

Hayes was also nominated for the PFA player of the year gong after a hugely impressive campaign.

The 28-year-old made his senior international debut when he replaced Aiden McGeady in the 61st minute of the 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland back in March, following that up with a cameo against Slovakia.

Despite looking certainties to lift a fifth title in a row, Celtic boast only two players on the team, being outnumbered by Aberdeen [four] and Dundee [three].

The Hoops' pair Kieran Tierney and Leigh Griffiths got the nod, but it's a paltry return for the Glasgow giants.

They travel to Hearts in the lunchtime kick-off at Tynecastle on Saturday knowing victory would take them 12 points clear of Aberdeen with a massive goal difference advantage of 36 over the Dons - who play the first of their four remaining games against Motherwell later in the afternoon.

A win would make them all but champions, with outgoing boss Ronny Deila hoping they can maintain their league dominance even with Rangers' return to the top flight on the horizon.

"We have been the best in the last four years and we can be this year as well," he said.

"And when you are the best, the only thing you have to be is hungry. Everyone has to want to get better every day to improve because you have the advantage over the other teams and that will continue if the work has been done and done even better.

"The most important thing is to be champions. It is a big game and we are in a very good position.

"It is going to be a big atmosphere and nothing would please me more than to do it then."

Scottish Premiership Team of the Year: Scott Bain (Dundee); Shay Logan (Aberdeen), Alim Ozturk (Hearts), Andrew Davies (Ross County), Kieran Tierney (Celtic); Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen), Kenny McLean (Aberdeen), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen); Kane Hemmings (Dundee), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic), Greg Stewart (Dundee)