IT'S that time of year when the PFA get ready to unveil their player of the season.

And if there's any justice in the world then Brad Friedel should win it hands down, although I'll bet here and now that his name is conspicuous by its absence come the big night!

In terms of brilliance and sheer consistency week-in, week-out, Friedel currently stands head and shoulders above the rest of his fellow professionals.

On countless occasions this season, the United States international has won games virtually on his own for Rovers.

But I guarantee he won't get the award those performances deserve for the simple reason that he's plying his trade at one of the Premiership's less fashionable clubs.

One national newspaper carried a poll at the weekend claiming to represent the views of 50 professional footballers across the land and Friedel's name didn't even get a mention.

But if he was playing for Arsenal or Manchester United then you can bet your bottom dollar that the former Liverpool star would feature far more prominently.

By all accounts, Thierry Henry looks like the run-away leader and I won't deny he's had another great season.

But then I'd back my gran to score a sackful if she played up front in the current Arsenal side.

So, as far as I'm concerned, Friedel's achievements far outweigh those of Henry.

When you make a mistake as a striker, you always get a second chance to make amends at some point along the line.

But the same can't be said for keepers.

One mistake can cost you a game - just ask Jerzy Dudek!

Forgiveness is the key

A LOT has already been said and written about the bust-up between Andy Cole and Graeme Souness last week.

But let's hope the pair can kiss and make-up because if Rovers harbour serious hopes of qualifying for Europe then they need a fit and focused Andy Cole firing on all cylinders during the closing weeks of the season.

The fact of the matter is bust-ups happen in football all the time, at clubs the length and breadth of the country.

In some situations it can be a healthy thing, but it's vital that people are prepared to forgive and forget, otherwise that's when the real problems start.