BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
As Celtic’s domestic woes continue, former Hoops favourite Virgil van Dijk has shown his old club what they are missing by landing a nomination for Barclay’s Premier League player of the month.
The 24-year-old, who left Parkhead in a £11.5 million deal last August, has been listed alongside Jermain Defoe, Sergio Aguero, Roberto Firmino, Deli Alli and Kasper Schmeichel for January’s prize.
Van Dijk was a mainstay at the heart of the Saints defence as they posted a 100 per cent record last month with wins over Watford, West Brom and Manchester United, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Official league statistics show the Dutch internationalist – who has made 27 appearances since his move south of the border – made 16 key interceptions, blocked two shots and made 34 clearances.
Saints boss Ronald Koeman has also been nominated for manager of the month as the south-coast outfit chase an awards double.
