Player of the year Mulgrew revels in 'great' season

CHARLIE MULGREW is determined not to rest on his laurels following the finest season of his career.

The 26-year-old Celtic defender won his first Scotland cap in February, playing at left-back in the 1-1 friendly draw in Slovenia, and went on to help the Hoops capture the Scottish Premier League title for the first time in four years.

Mulgrew picked up the Parkhead club's player of the year award on Sunday night hours after scoring his first Old Firm goal in the 3-0 win over Rangers at Parkhead and is on the shortlist to win the same award from his PFA Scotland colleagues this weekend.

Speaking ahead of tonight's SPL clash with St Johnstone at Parkhead, the former Wolves and Aberdeen player, who started his career at Celtic, stressed that he is still looking for improvement.

"It's been a great season on a personal level and to win the league is massive, that's what we set out to do at the start of the season," he said.

"Sunday was obviously a great day all round, beating Rangers and then getting the club player of the year (award). I was delighted.

"I was delighted to be nominated for PFA award and we will see what happens.

"Scoring against Rangers was the the one thing I hadn't done, it was always in the back of my mind, and to do it was massive.

"It was something I always dreamed about doing and it was a great feeling.

"But there is definitely room for improvement in my game.

"I am always critical of my performances and tend to look at the things I could do better so I will be like that next year and hopefully kick-on again."

Mulgrew is hoping to still be involved with the Scotland squad when the 2014 World Cup qualifiers begin next season.

After modelling Celtic's new black away kit at the club's Lennoxtown training ground, he said: "It's up to (national boss) Craig Levein but hopefully I have done enough to get involved with that.

"I have always been desperate to play for Scotland and I am available so it is up to the manager."