JASON CUMMINGS has refused to be drawn into a war of words over a cutting putdown from Leigh Griffiths, insisting he was delighted to have caught the attention of a player he hopes to emulate at Hibernian.
Cummings was named SPFL Championship young player of the month for September yesterday - Alan Stubbs is manager of the month - largely on the back of his stunning double in the 3-1 win against Rangers. But the teenage striker was criticised after he claimed in a post-match interview to have shown "the touch of an angel" in the build-up to his opener.
Celtic's Griffiths was particularly scathing, calling Cummings a "Billy big-time" on Twitter.
Cummings said ahead of his team's home match against Dumbarton this afternoon: "I'm on social media and you always get good things and bad things. You just take it with a pinch of salt.
"I wasn't bothered by what Leigh tweeted me. I've always liked him as a player and looked up to him. What he did here was outstanding.
"The fans loved him because he scored goals and that's all I want to do. If I could do half of what he did that would be perfect. The fact he even noticed me shows I am doing the right things."
Cummings, who made his Hibs debut last season, has quickly gained a reputation for using eccentric language.
The former Hearts youngster, rescued from a future career as a gardener by the Easter Road club, caused a splash last when he described a goal in the play-off final against Hamilton Academical by saying: "It was a some zing, I opened a tin of beans there."
Even Stubbs has admitted he has to shake his head at times at Cummings' one-liners. The player isn't about to change his off-field style but stressed he takes the game seriously.
Cummings added: "You have to try to enjoy life and that's what I am doing. The boys have a bit of banter with me - someone just called me Angel Gabriel before I came out here.
"But I love it. They call me everything, I get all sorts and that's what it's all about. Being a footballer is the job I have always wanted to do and it's the best job in the world for me. It's a short career so you need to enjoy it when it's happening.
"But I take my football very seriously. I try to eat well and not go out and drink at the weekend. I want to do the right things - I go to the gym and all that.
"But after a game I like to have a laugh. We had just beaten Rangers 3-1 when I said what I did - you can have a laugh then.
"During the game I know you can't muck about. But when the time is right you have to have a laugh. If I didn't enjoy football I wouldn't play, and I want to keep enjoying it."
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