Neil Lennon today sent his congratulations to his Motherwell counterpart Stuart McCall for landing the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager of the Season award.

The Celtic boss was a strong contender for the gong after leading the Hoops to their second consecutive SPL title.

But Lennon, who was named Scottish Football Writers' Manager of the Year at the weekend, was just pipped to the league prize by McCall last night.

The former Scotland midfielder has taken the Fir Park club to second place in the top flight in the 2012/13 campaign despite having a smaller budget than many rivals.

Lennon said: "I can quite understand why Stuart has got the Manager of the Year award. He certainly got my vote.

"I think he has done a great job at Motherwell – not just this season but last season as well.

"They finished third last season and they have topped that by finishing second this year. What is more, they have done it playing really good football.

"Stuart is a great type too. He is a very enthusiastic guy, a really bubbly character. It's no surprise his team has performed so well under him."

Victor Wanyama collected the Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Season award, while Leigh Griffiths was the Player of the Season.

McCall, meanwhile, will be backing Celtic against Hibs in the William Hill Scottish Cup final as he looks to extend his club's close season.

Which qualifying round McCall's side will enter for the Europa League, and therefore which date they will return to pre-season, will be determined by Hibs' result against the SPL champions at Hampden in a fortnight's time.

"We have a rough idea when we will go back," said McCall.

"If Celtic manage to beat Hibs we will go in a bit later.

"So it's possibly the first time I have ever been cheering Celtic on at a cup final.

"But we are all looking forward to Europe next season."