Tam McManus admits Hearts keeper Craig Gordon would be a worthy winner of the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
But the Hibs hero says he can't bring himself to give the nod to a goalkeeper - so it's Callum McGregor for him.
Scotland stars Gordon and McGregor were named on a four-player shortlist for the prestigious award alongside Tom Rogic and Ross County's Regan Charles-Cook.
There has been much debate with Rangers ' James Tavernier nowhere to be seen while Chris Sutton questioned the exclusion of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
McManus, speaking on the PLZ Football Show, says it's a toss-up between McGregor and Gordon, who has been a key part of Hearts' charge to third place and the Scottish Cup final.
But the Record Sport columnist, rejecting lighthearted accusations that his Hibs loyalties were showing through, opted for McGregor - because he doesn't believe it should go to a keeper.
He said: "I just don't like giving goalkeepers player of the year. I just don't like goalkeepers to be honest.
"I want to go for Craig Gordon but I'm not going to, I'm going for Callum McGregor.
"It's nothing to do with Hearts. I think he's been brilliant. I'm just not a big fan of goalies.
"He's been the best goalkeeper in the league but I'm going to give it to Callum McGregor just because I like an outfield player to get player of the year.
"I don't think he's been head and shoulders above. Fozzy (Richard Foster) has a point about Regan Charles-Cook - he's been brilliant with 13 goals for Ross County.
"I just think McGregor has been outstanding in every game I've seen. I'll give it to him but I wouldn't be surprised if Gordon won it."
When asked if anyone was unlucky to miss out, McManus did admit Hearts defender Stephen Kingsley should have been up there - alongside Rangers skipper Tavernier.
He said: "Tavernier and possibly Kingsley. Defenders scoring goals and keeping clean sheets, so those two."
