Motherwell ace Allan Campbell pipped to Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year Award

Combative and skilful midfielder Campbell was arguably the Steelmen’s most consistent performer during the 2019-20 campaign, making 37 appearances in league and cups and netting six goals.

And the 21-year-old played all five qualifiers for Scotland under-21s in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

But Ferguson (20), part of the fourth placed Dons side which finished below third placed Motherwell in the final Premiership standings last season, got the nod from the panellists, members of the national press.

Ferguson, who also beat St Johnstone prospect Ali McCann and Hearts full-back Aaron Hickey to the award, quickly established himself as a key man for Aberdeen after joining from Hamilton Accies in 2018.

Last season the playmaker made 28 Premiership appearances, scoring once.

He said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the other boys who were nominated.

“They had great seasons as well. And, although it’s an individual award, I’ve got to also recognise the manager, the coaching staff and the boys I’ve been playing with.

“Without any of them I wouldn’t have got it. So, I want to thank them and the people who voted for me. I’m delighted.

“I felt I improved last season. I take every game as it comes and keep trying to progress.

“I had a good first season so I just wanted to kick on and be better. That was my aim, to try to make myself a better player.

“There are small details in games and that little bit of know-how can get you through. Playing against experienced boys and playing with experienced boys just gives you that extra week bit.”