Neil Lennon: Hibernian boss wins October award and expects January bids

Neil Lennon's Hibs won three games in succession during October

Scottish Premiership manager of the month for October Neil Lennon is expecting to receive bids for some of his Hibernian players during January.

But he stressed that the Edinburgh club will only sanction moves if the price is right.

And he could add a couple of recruits when the transfer window opens.

"I think it's inevitable the way they have been playing there's going to be interest for one or two players," said Lennon as he received his award.

"I don't want to look too far ahead, but we're prepared for any eventuality.

"We will maintain that the players aren't for sale unless we get the figure that's right for us and the club's been pretty strong on that and that's pleased me."

Hibs rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest for Scotland international John McGinn this summer, while fellow midfielder Dylan McGeouch is out of contract at the end of the season.

And Paul Hanlon's form led to the central defender earning a first call-up to the Scotland squad under caretaker head coach Malky Mackay.

"I certainly think McGeouch's been unlucky not to make this one," said Lennon.

Paul Hanlon is training with Scotland ahead of Thursday's friendly with Netherlands

"I think he's been absolutely excellent and in the form of his life.

"Maybe it's a bit too soon for him, but if he keeps playing the way he's playing, it will be very difficult for him not to get into the [Scotland] squad.

"I'm delighted for Paul. He's deserved his call-up and obviously John's a regular and he's just improving all the time."

Injuries to Darren McGregor and Liam Fontaine have left Hibs short of cover in central defence.

"January is going to be important for me as well," said Lennon.

"We need to get one, maybe two, bodies in, but I'm delighted the form and where we find ourselves at the minute.

"At the minute, we're short at centre-half, but hopefully we'll have McGregor and Fontaine back soon, so that will strengthen that position."

Following defeats by Aberdeen and Celtic, the latter in the League Cup semi-final, Lennon guided his side to wins over Hearts, Motherwell and Kilmarnock during October.

Hibs, who were promoted last season after winning the Championship, are third in the top flight after beating Dundee at Easter Road on Saturday.

Lennon thinks Dylan McGeouch (right) was unlucky not to join John McGinn in the Scotland squad

However, the Edinburgh's side's head coach insisted he was not looking beyond the pre-season target of finishing in the top six.

Lennon was hopeful of challenging Aberdeen and Rangers behind champions Celtic but expects the Ibrox side to improve and warned that it was "early days" to start talking about qualifying for Europe.

"We've got some important games coming up and then we've got a huge December," he said.

"At the end of that, we'll have a better idea of how the season's going to pan out.

"The players have probably exceeded our expectations at the minute.

"They've had a lot of volume of games recently and they've come through with flying colours.

"They are playing very well - not just winning games but the manner in which they are winning them.

"They are playing very good football and they've shown a lot of character and a lot of quality as well."