DANNY Handling is “honoured and privileged” to have picked up a top award after a stunning start to the season.

The midfielder was named cinch League 1 Player of the Month for September/October after scoring six goals in nine appearances.

That form has also taken newly promoted FC Edinburgh into the play-offs as they seek back-to-back promotions.

Handling, of Haddington, said: “It shows you are doing the right thing. I am honoured and privileged and feel really proud to have won it.

“I had never won it before and when I spoke to a representative of the SPFL (Scottish Professional Football League), they said to win it you need to get a majority vote from a panel of 20 people. It is quite hard to get.

“It was a nice feeling, a surreal feeling, and I am just really proud by what I have achieved.”

Handling, who spent more than five years with Hibernian, has scored 12 times this season, including a hat-trick against Stranraer in the SPFL Trust Trophy.

That tally is just one short of his career best in 2019/20.

READ MORE: Danny and Darren Handling to face each other in friendly

He said: “I usually play midfield and set my target for 10 goals from midfield, which is quite good.

“Obviously, I have passed that already and I want to keep continuing to set myself wee goals and targets for the future.

“Now, I want to get 15 goals.

“First and foremost, though, it is about doing well for Edinburgh and getting results and getting us up the table.

“To get the recognition is obviously a big achievement.”

FC Edinburgh have surpassed the expectations of many this campaign.

The Capital club finished nearly 30 points adrift of League Two champions Kelty Hearts but Alan Maybury guided them through the promotion play-offs.

Now, they hold an 11-point advantage over their rivals and only trail second-place Falkirk on goal difference.

READ MORE: Danny Handling hoping for sixth time lucky in the play-offs

Handling, whose brother Darren plays for Dunbar United in the First Division of the East of Scotland Football League, felt that expectations were changing.

The 28-year-old said: “A new team, no matter what league, people expect them to go straight back down or battle relegation.

“Credit to the gaffer, he has built a squad and we have put ourselves in a strong position.

“To have held our own so far has been a good testament to the club and for the players.”

The success has come at the same time as the club, previously known as Edinburgh City, have gone through a name change and also returned to Meadowbank Stadium after groundsharing with Spartans at Ainslie Park.

Former Knox Academy pupil Handling was enjoying life in the centre of the Capital.

He said: “I’m from Haddington and it’s as close as it could be for me!

“I get the frustrations of the away fans and the viewing experience is a bit different and away from the pitch. But the actual facility has got everything we need.

“From a personal point of view, selfishly, it is ideal for me.”