Belfast ace Liam Boyce has hailed his family’s influence after being named Scottish Professional Footballers’ Association Championship Player of the Year.
The Hearts and Northern Ireland striker beat teammate Craig Gordon, Dundee’s Charlie Adam and Regan Hendry of Raith Rovers to scoop the gong.
It follows on from his national captain Steven Davis claiming the award for the Scottish top flight as the midfielder shone for Steven Gerrard's Rangers.
Boyce finished the Championship's top scorer with 14 goals as he helped fire Robbie Neilson’s team to the title and a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
The ex-Cliftonville star was honoured at being voted the best player in the division by his fellow pros, but reserved special praise for his family who he admitted had gone through a tough year while supporting him.
He said: “It’s an honour to win an award that’s been voted for by your fellow professionals so I’m really happy about it, and I really appreciate that the Championship players voted for me.
“I’ve got to thank my teammates and the coaching staff because it was a real team effort this season to get back to the top flight in challenging circumstances.
“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, including my family. They’re the driving force behind everything I do so this award is for them and I hope it puts a smile on their faces.
“A big thanks goes to our fans too. They’ve supported us from afar and I’m really looking forward to next season and hopefully scoring more goals in front of them at Tynecastle.”
Boyce is now looking ahead to his first full Premiership season in maroon after arriving in January 2020 from Burton Albion.
