Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said he 'could not be more pleased' with Anthony Stokes' performance in their 5-0 SPL win over Hibernian
Win takes Celtic 17 points clear in the SPL
Celtic manager Neil Lennon said he 'could not be more pleased' with Anthony Stokes' performance following their 5-0 Scottish Premier League win over Hibernian.
The brace from Stokes helped Celtic move 17 points clear of bitter rivals Rangers following their midweek points deduction but Lennon was quick to keep the focus on his team.
"I'm lost for words with this team at the moment," Lennon said. "They're doing everything right. Their application is superb, their talent, their approach to the game is magnificent.
"Hibs started the game pretty well but once we got a foot in the game it was as good as we've played.
"With everything else that's going on it could have been a major distraction, but we've shown today we've still got the bit right between our teeth.
"I have to say, that was the best I've seen him [Stokes] play in my managerial time here.
"I could not be more pleased with him.
"I was talking midweek about contracts and if things go the way we want them to he'll be the first in the queue."
Hibs reaction
Hibs suffered their heaviest home defeat since 1985 and manager Pat Fenlon admitted they had been the architects of their own downfall.
"We need to have a look at it," Fenlon said.
"Celtic played pretty well, but we gifted three or four of the goals.
"We gave them a chance after half a minute then in the second half we gave them a free-kick straight after we had the kick-off.
"It was basics, picking up from set-pieces, being confident on the ball. We gave it away too cheaply."
Asked if he could take any positives from the game, Fenlon responded: "No."
Hibs now head to Motherwell on Wednesday outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone as Celtic host Dunfermline Athletic.
