Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has hailed the form of fullback Phil Bardsley this season.
The new Scotland international appeared to have a foot out the door last summer.
Gordon wrote in his blog for safc.com: "Phil's been having a fantastic season, capped off with signing a new deal which was thoroughly deserved.
"He's been one of our most consistent performers this season and probably has a good chance of winning our player of the year award. That's how well I think he's been doing.
"To step up to international level has been a big boost for Phil, and he's performed particularly well in the few games he's played for Scotland so far."
