VIRGIL VAN DIJK SCOOPS AWARDS

The 24-year-old Dutch international quit the Hoops in a £13million deal in the summer and has been praised for his consistent displays for the Premier League outfit.

Van Dijk picked up over 50 per cent of the fans’ votes, with striker Shane Long finishing second and midfielder Steven Davis third.

The classy defender, who joined the SPFL champions in a £2.6million move from Groningen in June 2013, has played in every Southampton league game since signing.

Van Dijk joined his former Celtic team-mates Fraser Forster, the keeper who hopes to go to France with the England Euro squad in the summer, and Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama in the south-coast club.

Wanyama is likely to leave Southampton in the summer with either Arsenal or Tottenham his likely destination. This would provide a much needed cash boost to the new Celtic manager as Celtic have sell-on clauses for all three players sold to Southampton in recent times. 

All three former Celts have had outstanding campaigns for Ronald Koeman’s side.

While Van Dijk has signed a new long term contract at the club, his form in his first season in the Premier League must have attracted attention from the so-called bigger clubs.

CQN reported on Sunday that Van Dijk had extended his stay at Southampton by SIX years. He will now remain at the Saints until he is 30, unless Southampton are tempted. In England, money talks.