Hibs duo Neil Lennon and Jason Cummings pick up August awards
Tuesday 13 September 2016 09:36, UK
Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has been named Scottish Championship manager of the month for August.
The Irishman has guided the Scottish Cup holders to the top of the table after beginning the campaign with five successive victories.
The award caps a double celebration for Hibs after striker Jason Cummings was named player of the month following his impressive start to the new season.
The Scotland U21 striker scored six times during the club's four victories in August, before grabbing the only goal of the game from the spot against Dumbarton on Saturday.
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Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ from the club's training ground, Lennon said: "Keeping clean sheets has been key for us this season, and in Jason Cummings we have a player in red-hot form.
"That said I have been really pleased with the form of all the players as it was important for us to make a good start to the season and we have done that. People can turn on you very quickly as we have seen before, but we're scoring goals, creating good chances and our mentality has been very good.
"Hibs are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland - a big-city club just off the back of a fantastic win in the Scottish Cup - and our priority is to win promotion which I have made very clear from the start. We're happy with the start we've made but it's only five games in."
And Lennon was quick to praise the contribution of Cummings, insisting his main man has been in 'phenomenal form'.
"Jason is a very sought after player," he added. "Goalscorers are at a premium and Jason's record is 55 in 100 now and that is phenomenal for a player so young.
"He is learning all the time... and has that knack of being in the right place at the right time which is something you can't coach. He just has that goalscorer's touch."
Ex-Celtic coach Lennon admitted he had one eye on events at Parkhead on Saturday before his side's win at Dumbarton and believes his former club are not without a chance against Barcelona on Tuesday after their 5-1 victory over city rivals Rangers.
The Hoops visit the Nou Camp for their first Champions League tie in almost three years and Lennon, who drew there twice as a player and chalked up a memorable 2-1 victory over the Catalans during his time in charge at Parkhead, is looking forward to the match.
"Celtic started off okay against Rangers and it was always important to get the first goal. After that they were very, very impressive," he said.
"I think there was a gulf between the teams which eventually showed and to win the game 5-1 is brilliant for the supporters and the club and now they have another huge game against Barcelona.
"Barcelona are the best club team in the world and it will be important for Celtic to stay in the game early.
"They need their goalkeeper to play well and if it is De Vries then obviously he is going to have to play at his best. But it is not insurmountable and obviously their confidence will be high after the win at the weekend."
