A FORTNIGHT ago, this column gave a doom-laden analysis of where it all went wrong for Burnley.

So, in the interests of balance, it’s only right that this column tips its hat to those who provided the highlights of 2014/15.

Player of the season – Danny Ings

It might seem perverse to single out a player who sees his future away from Turf Moor, but there are very good reasons why his signature is so coveted.

Trippier, Shackell, Duff and Barnes performed consistently – and Tom Heaton thoroughly deserves to become the first Clarets keeper to be called up by England since Alan Stevenson in 1974 – but Ings stands out for two main reasons; 11 goals for a relegated team and the fact that while everyone else used their feet for running, he used his to dazzle.

Young player of the season: Michael Keane

Not a difficult decision given the lack of competition, but the 22-year-old acquitted himself well in his first top-flight season.

Goal of the season: George Boyd v Manchester City

An exocet of a strike which was destined for the bottom corner the instant it left his boot.

Honourable mentions to Ashley Barnes’ howitzer at Spurs, Ross Wallace’s last-minute free-kick at Leicester and Scott Arfield’s Messi-esque effort at home to QPR.

Most improved player of the season: Ashley Barnes

Having done nothing to set the Championship alight, little was expected in the Premier League.

But Barnes proved himself a superb leader of the line and earned himself the title of the Premier League player who committed most fouls and who had most fouls committed against him.

Bonus marks for getting right up Mourinho’s nose.

Game of the Season: Newcastle United 3 Burnley 3

Not only did the Clarets lose three players in 20 first-half minutes, but they came from behind three times in a thrilling encounter. A game that showcased Burnley’s finest qualities.

Surprise of the season: Michael Duff

Many suspected this might be a season too far for the 37-year-old, likely to be destroyed by the movement of top-flight forwards.

Yet not only did he start more games than during our last top-flight adventure, he was arguably a better player.