Niall McGinn has been short-listed for the Scottish PFA Player of the Year award.

The Aberdeen striker has been nominated along with Inverness midfielder Andrew Shinnie, Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths and Motherwell forward Michael Higdon for the prestigious gong.

McGinn has enjoyed a stellar season with the Dons, having bagged 19 goals in his first season at Pittodrie.

The Northern Ireland star said: “I am over the moon at this nomination. It is a great achievement to even be short-listed, especially in my first season with Aberdeen.

“There are only four players short-listed, so to be included is brilliant for me and I am delighted.

“It has just been a fantastic season for me personally.”

Whoever wins on May 5, it will be the first time in 23 years that a player outside of the Old Firm has lifted the award.

Back in 1990 it was another Aberdeen player who claimed the trophy when midfielder Jim Bett was successful.