Celtic defender Adam Matthews named SPL player of the month

Adam Matthews: Player of the month

Celtic defender Adam Matthews has been named Clydesdale Bank SPL player of the month for January.

The Wales international has been a revelation in the Celtic back four in recent weeks and capped off his fine run with a double against Kilmarnock last week.

Now the 21-year-old, who broke his scoring duck for the Hoops against Arbroath late last year, is turning his attentions to Tuesday's Champions League tie against Juventus.

"I think it's a good achievement. We have a few young good players in the SPL and it's the first time I've won the award but hopefully I can win it some more," he said.

"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.

"I've been pushing on in training and progressing in games, but when you play with good players you improve every day and they have all helped me.

"I don't really care about the goals, I'm a defender first, but if I can get a couple I will help the team. It's the assists that have pleased me most.

"Looking ahead to Tuesday, Juventus will be one of the biggest games of my career. The Barcelona game was one of them but this, for the club and the fans, is even bigger."