NEIL Lennon hailed the efforts of his entire squad following their confident 4-1 win over Ross County today (Sunday), while also singling out Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and double goalscorer Ryan Christie for setting the tone from the outset.

Two first half goals from Christie, and single strikes from Tom Rogic and Mikey Johnston in the second period secured maximum points in Dingwall, which delighted the manager after an equally impressive Euro win in midweek.

“It was an excellent performance,” said Neil Lennon. “I thought we started the game really well, we could have been one or two up before we got the breakthrough. And then we came off it a bit, I’m not sure if we slipped into cruise control, but we let Ross County back into the game.

“After that, our response again was very good – it was a great goal from Ryan, a great finish, and a great ball from Kris. At half-time, we wanted to get rid of the complacency, and just turn on the power a little bit more. We got that in the second-half, it was a great second-half display.

“Ryan is in a great vein of form. He had a little niggle with his knee a few weeks ago, but now he’s back to full fitness and he’s a joy to watch and work with. He’s got a great appetite for the game, he’s got great enthusiasm, but above all else, he’s an outstanding footballer and we’re seeing all of that at the minute.

“I thought Callum McGregor, again, was consistency personified. I thought he had a brilliant game. As did Broony, and I felt those three really set the template for the result today. In the second-half, we looked a powerful threat. Going forward at times, we could cut County open at will. We also hit the woodwork twice, so it could have been a lot more than four.”

Speaking of super-sub Mikey Johnston, who scored one minute after replacing goalscorer Rogic, the manager explained he’d intended to swap the two earlier than he did, had the Australian not found the net.

Johnston’s goal made it two-for-two from the bench, much to the delight of the travelling support. Neil Lennon in turn had nothing but praise for the latter.

He added: “I’ve got to pay tribute to the fans. I heard a story that there was a bus that left from Stranraer at half-past four in the morning. I said to the players before the game – these guys travel a long way, and it’s up to you to entertain them. They’re coming to watch you because you’re creating a lot of good things at the minute, they’re enjoying what they’re seeing, and hopefully they’ve gone home happy today.

“I’m thrilled with the quality of performances we’ve shown at the moment. We’re on great goalscoring form, the goals are coming from a variety of positions. It’s a utopian life, it can’t last forever, but the way they’re playing, we’ve just got to keep giving them a gentle cajoling along. We’re in a great place.”

Neil Lennon: Key players set template for great Ross County win