Beram Kayal joked that he thought Neil Lennon was "crazy" when the Celtic manager informed the midfielder that he had been named the Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month for January.
The Israel international, 22, was on top form as the Parkhead club took full points from Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers while drawing with Hamilton. Celtic also beat Berwick in the Scottish Cup and Aberdeen in the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
Kayal, who was presented with the award at the club's Lennoxtown training complex on Friday, said: "I came in this morning and the manager told me I was player of the month and I said 'you are crazy'."
He added: "I thought he was kidding me on. I am very happy and I have to thank him. Everyone in the team played fantastically last month.
"Anthony Stokes scored goals and is a very good player, Scott Brown came back and played very well, I think everyone could have taken this trophy."
Lennon, who was named manager of the month, praised the former Maccabi Haifa player who was out for three months with a groin problem at the start of the season.
He said: "I am delighted with him. He is a hungry boy.
"He came back from his injury far, far better than we expected and he has just carried it on.
"He has made a huge difference in the last month or so, he has been superb.
"He has bought into the concept of the club which is important and we think he has more to come in the next few years."
Source: PA
