STEVENSON’S SCOT THE LOT FOR HIS BOSS

NEIL LENNON’S view is simple — the tougher the opposition, the better Lewis Stevenson plays.

The Hibernian manager has marvelled at how the Easter Road stalwart raised his game after three seasons outside the Scottish top flight to become arguably the most consistent player in a team that secured European qualification.

Stevenson’s form has been sufficiently impressive to earn a call-up from Scotland boss Alex McLeish, who is set to hand the 30-year-old an international debut against Peru in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

‘Lewis has had a great season and has improved a lot,’ said Lennon. ‘The Premiership suits him more than the Championship, believe it or not.

‘He’s been really consistent and it’s a great honour for him to play for Scotland. It means a lot to him. He is so easy to manage. He’s a model pro, he trains every day and never gets injured.

‘He’s a constant seven out of ten every week. I’m delighted for him on a personal level and it’s good for the profile of the club. It’s great that he’ll get a cap — it’s an opportunity for him.’

International football has arrived late for Stevenson, who celebrated his testimonial against Sunderland last summer, but Lennon believes he should treat his call-up like a beginning.

‘I pulled him in a few weeks ago and told him he’s only 30,’ added Lennon. ‘I didn’t go to Celtic until I was that age and people thought I was there for a lifetime.

‘So he’s got a lot still in front of him if he looks after himself. He’s still got a lot of football ahead of him at the top level in this country.’

‘He can still improve on things like his delivery. When I came in he was hitting the first man too often but it’s better this season.’

Stevenson is joined in the Scots’ squad by Hibs team-mates John McGinn and Dylan McGeouch, who both ended the season with question marks over their future.

McGinn is being monitored by a host of clubs south of the border, while McGeouch’s contract has expired — with Blackburn and Aberdeen showing keen interest.

‘These trips can be difficult at times but it’s important for the Hibs boys who are there to make a mark,’ added Lennon. ‘It will be tough against quality sides who will be hungry, so it will be an eye-opener for a lot of them — but a good one. They will see football in a different culture.’