Hibs are ahead of schedule, says Lennon
Hibs manager Neil Lennon claims that his players have taken even him aback by moving into the top three once again with victory at Firhill.
After finally winning promotion last season, the Irishman expected a campaign of consolidation this time out.
However, they’ ve exceeded his expectations and now he wants them to keep on doing that.
He said: “I think we’re ahead of our target so far. I did think it would be Celtic leading the way then Aberdeen and Rangers next, with a fight then for the rest of the places.
“We want to break into that second bracket so we have given ourselves a good chance nearly halfway through the season.
“So I think we are ahead of schedule. I’m more than pleased with the character in the team and the quality of football we’re playing.”
Of Hibs’ 1-0w in against Partick yesterday, Lennon said: “It’s always a worry in the back of your mind when you don’t get the second goal, especially when you’re in the ascendancy, which we were for most of the second half.
“We had to rely on Ofir Marciano to make a very good save at 1- 0. We worked the players into good areas in the first half but our final ball and final decision making was poor. That’s what the little chat was about at half-time.
“We got a good early goal. We should have picked them off a couple of times on the counter attack in the second half but, again, our final pass was missing.
“However, I’m really pleased with our overall style of play and the amount of possession we’re having, particularly away from home.”
Lennon was also delighted to welcome back defender Darren McGregor, who started for the first time since August following a knee injury.
“It was an enforced change, with David Gray and Steven Whittaker pulling out yesterday,” he said.
“Darren hasn’t played a lot of football but he was outstanding. Really unflustered, strong, really good in the air – it’s a welcome boost.
“With the cir cumstances – with Celtic playing Motherwell and Rangers and Aberdeen playing tomorrow – it was really important for us to get the win going into next week.”
Even so, he wasn’t completely satisfied with his team’s display.
He added: “We looked a little bit tentative in front of goal and it was just not good enough. The quality was poor from my point of view. We needed the goal but that’s now two very good performances away from home so I’m delighted.”