Celtic's Adam Matthews wins SPL January young player award

Celtic defender Adam Matthews has been voted Clydesdale Bank Premier League young player of the month for January.

The 21-year-old Welshman helped Celtic win all four of their home Scottish Premier League matches last month as they moved further clear at the top.

The right-back has impressed this season by adding an attacking threat to his game, creating chances for the club's strikers.

And he scored two goals in his club's 4-1 win over Kilmarnock on 30 January.

"He's not a prospect anymore and this is just reward for his consistency this season," said manager Neil Lennon on learning of the award for Matthews.

Matthews arrived at Celtic Park under freedom of contract in the summer of 2011, having started his career at Cardiff City.

"I've scored some more this season which I'm pleased with, and I've got a few more assists but I think my overall game has improved," he said.

"I'm a defender first, but if I can get a couple of goals I will help the team. It's the assists that have pleased me most."