HIBERNIAN manager Neil Lennon says he is targeting second place on his side's return to the Ladbrokes Premiership next season.

The former Celtic boss clinched the Championship title with the Easter Road outfit in his first season in charge and is optimistic that they can immediately challenge at the top again.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Extra show on BT Sport on Monday, Lennon was asked if finishing above rivals Hearts and reaching second could be possible.

"That's the intention," he replied.

"It's important we keep momentum. What the players have shown over the last two years, particularly in the cup competitions when they've played against Premiership opposition, they can certainly hold their own if not better."

When questioned by former Hoops team-mate Chris Sutton about whether that was a realistic objective, the Northern Irishman said: "I think it depends how well we recruit. 

"We've had a good look at Aberdeen this season, we've played Hearts over two games and they are teams who are there or thereabouts. I think Rangers will be stronger next season. 

"Our challenge is first of all top six then can we progress from there but I want to finish best of the rest."