Collins, McDonald get monthly awards

At the end of August, with Rangers on top of the league and Celtic having a few minor struggles, the SPL’s monthly awards were reflective of the situation on the top of the table, with Rangers taking both Manager and Player of the Month honors (for Walter Smith and Carlos Cuellar). Now, Celtic has returned in force and put their hands on their first bit of plastic-looking hardware with Scott McDonald being named the SPL Player of the Month for September. McDonald has had a dominating month, scoring all the goals in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Dundee United, and the winner against AC Milan, before Dida going weak in the knees took away his spotlight. He is Celtic’s top scorer, with 9 in all competitions, and tied with teammate Jan Vennegor of Hesselink for tops in the league with five apiece. The Manager of the Month honors go deservedly to John Collins of Hibernian, whose team now sits between Celtic and Rangers in second place in the SPL, thanks to the only undefeated record in the league. In September, Hibs performed nearly perfectly, beating both Celtic and Rangers. They were the first team of the season to take any points at Ibrox, and if they keep it up, they’ll be the first team since crosstown rivals Hearts in 2005 to make a serious dent in the Old Firm domination of the league. Life is sweet for Hibs fans right now, especially with Hearts in fifth place, 7 points behind, and with the Old Firm derby waiting after the international break, Collins’ boys have an opportunity to jump back into first place. But that’s only if this month’s other award winner doesn’t get in the way with his first goals against Rangers.

Category: Scottish Premier League

Tags: Celtic, Celtic FC, Hibernian, Hibernian FC, Hibs, John Collins, Monthly awards, Scott McDonald, Scottish Premier League, SPL

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