The quality of football and intensity of competition in the Highland League has produced numerous outstanding performers in the past 12 months.

Picking a select team to represent the league is far from easy, but these are the best players I have seen in 2010.

Dave Edward's team of the year

GOALKEEPER   -   Stuart Knight, Forres Mechanics

CENTRAL DEFENDERS   -   Mark Simpson (Formartine United), Cammy Bowden (Turriff United)

RIGHT BACK   -   Chris Angus (Buckie Thistle)

LEFT BACK   -   Dean Lawrie (Cove Rangers)

MIDFIELD   -   Craig Ross (Inverurie Locos); Jamie Beagrie (Cove Rangers); Stuart Walker (Keith); Steven Mackay (Nairn County)

ATTACK   -   Gordon Morrison (Clachnacuddin); Ian Murray (Buckie Thistle)

SUBSTITUTES   -   Stuart McKenzie (Cove Rangers), Simon Allan (Forres Mechanics), Graham Johnston (Fraserburgh), Cammy Keith (Keith), Zander Sutherland (Buckie Thistle)

MANAGER   -   Gregg Carrol (Buckie Thistle)

Commenting on the Buckie Thistle players selected Dave said: "At right back, I have gone for the brightest young prospect in the league, Buckie Thistle's Chris Angus.

"Although he can play anywhere in defence.

"The inspirational signing of prolific scorer Ian Murray by Buckie Manager Gregg Carrol was, I believe, the catalyst which led to the Jags' first title in 52 years."