Hibernian FC vs Brondby - Jason Cummings commits his future to Hibernian

Posted Thursday, July 14, 2016 by PA

Hibernian received a boost ahead of their Europa League qualifier when striker Jason Cummings signed a new four-year contract.

The 20-year-old had one year remaining on his previous deal. Cummings hit 25 goals last season and his commitment is the ideal preparation for the visit of Danish side Brondby in the Europa League second qualifying round.

Cummings told the club's official website: "There was never any doubt in my mind over where I wanted to be this season, and I'm relieved to get it over the line.

"I feel my game has developed a lot over the last few seasons, and I'm looking forward to continuing to progress under the new manager.

"Everyone is buzzing after the Scottish Cup win, from the players to the supporters, and I'm sure we can achieve more over the coming years."

Hibs manager Neil Lennon earlier told Press Association Sport: "He had a great season last year. I like the kid, he has a very infectious personality.

"I think it will be good for him to stay another year here, mature and improve his game, but he has really good attributes already.

"Obviously it's a big boost for the club and supporters as well to have a goalscorer of his ilk to be with us still."

Cummings held talks with Lennon in Paris, where the former Celtic and Bolton boss was working as a Euro 2016 pundit, earlier in the summer.

"It helped," Lennon said. "I think he enjoyed the experience. I got a bit of time to myself with him and his agent, and told him what we thought of him and what our plans were. Thankfully he bought into that."

Lennon has so far brought in former Norwich striker Grant Holt but he has been delighted with the quality of the squad he inherited from Alan Stubbs.

"We are a bit under-cooked obviously," he said. "Some of the players have probably not even played 90 minutes, because we have to be careful to avoid injury, but preparation has gone as well as expected, and the players are relishing the challenge.

"We might have to use the squad as best we can, but we tried to get the players as up to speed as possible. They came back in really good condition and the work they have done on the training ground has been excellent.

"They have played well in the games so far and their attitude has been excellent. Myself and Garry have really been pleasantly surprised with the quality we have got here."

Brondby begin their domestic season on Sunday and Lennon is relishing the test for his Ladbrokes Championship side.

"This will be a good marker," he said. "Brondby are a very good side. They are up alongside the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen. But the players know they can compete at this level and it shouldn't faze them.

"They should look forward to the challenge. It's a good game for us and one we feel we have half a chance in."