Game-On Reporter
MOTHERWELL winger Tawanda Maswanhise says he is focused on a strong finish to the Scottish Premiership season after being shortlisted for the prestigious PFA Player of the Year award.
The Zimbabwean international has been named alongside teammate Elijah Just and Hearts duo Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga for the top individual honor.
In a historic shift for the league, the nominations have locked out players from giants Celtic and Rangers for the first time in 13 years.
Maswanhise admits he’s thrilled his standout performances have been recognised by his fellow pros.
“I’m really happy. It’s great recognition for myself in my second year in Scotland. Hopefully I can finish off the season really strongly.
“I’ve had a bit of a dip in form but that’s football. That’s how football works but I’m sure I’ll be back in and around the goals towards the end of the season.
“I think it’s a good target for myself. I know there’s like a ‘wow, there are big clubs in this league, Celtic and Rangers’.
“It’s a great achievement for myself and I’ve ticked off one of my targets this season,” he said.
The nomination comes amid heightening speculation regarding the forward’s future at Fir Park, with several clubs reportedly monitoring the 23-year-old.
However, Maswanhise remains calm about his future away from Fir Park, insisting his focus remains on the pitch.
“If a team wants you, you’ve just got to show them why they want you, but that shouldn’t be the main focus.
“You’ve just got to keep working then when the summertime’s here, off season, you can really look at your options and stuff.
“I always think about my future. I love my future because it’s exciting. With the achievements I’ve had this year, there’s more on the table for me, so we’ll see.
“Who knows what will happen in the future.
“I’ll probably speak to my agent in the next few weeks. Not long till the season ends now. I think he wants to come to the awards night, so he’ll be there,” said Maswanhise.
While he has experienced a slight dip in his scoring rate in recent weeks, Maswanhise revealed he has been working closely with manager Stuart Kettlewell to adapt his game as opponents begin to double-team him.
“Me and the gaffer I think we’ve got a good connection.
“I have had a few conversations with him in his office just trying to find that balance. What can I do, what can I do more and what can I do less in games to differ my game or my playing style because a lot of teams now know what I’m doing.
“A lot of teams now know what I’m doing, so I’ve got to try and change something. I think people forget what we do off the ball; those unselfish runs get other players in good positions and make us look like a better team.
“You guys can see it, so I’ve got to try change something. So the last four games I’m going to try, and you guys will see,” he said.
