STEPHEN McMANUS knows there are various types of captains who lead their teams with contrasting styles.

There's the quiet man who leads by example; others rant and rave.

However, Mick reckons there is only one type of captain you can be at Celtic - and that's a winning one.

The Hoops skipper managed to get his hands on the Co-operative Insurance League Cup at the weekend after leading his team-mates to a 2-0 extra-time victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers at Hampden.

It was the second occasion he has managed to get his hands on silverware since Gordon Strachan handed him the armband in the summer 2007, having successfully helped Gordon Strachan's side land their third consecutive title last term.

Now, having led his team-mates to two trophies since taking over the captaincy from Neil Lennon, McManus is content enough with the way things have gone under his on-field stewardship. But he isn't about to start resting on his laurels.

"You want to win as many trophies as possible," he said as he reflected on Sunday's victory. "It doesn't matter whether you are captain or not. Every player here wants to be successful.

"Obviously, as captain, it is special to lead your team-mates up the stairs and be the first person to hold the trophy aloft. I managed to do it last season when we won the league and to walk up the stairs at Hampden for the first time as captain was another special moment.

"I remember being asked what type of captain I envisaged myself being when it was announced I was being made skipper.

"Obviously there are different types of captains. My answer was that I just wanted to be a winning captain. I wanted to get my hands on silverware."

He went on: "Lenny (Neil Lennon) was the captain previously and I think he managed to win four trophies.

"I had a good chat with him when I took over the armband and he just stressed the importance of trying to get your hands on that first trophy and then build from there.

"Going further back, during my time at the club, there was Tom Boyd, Paul Lambert and Jackie McNamara who all lifted silverware. That's what you've got to aim for when you are captain of a club like Celtic. You've got to be winning things."

Of course, there can be a downside to being captain, such as being put forward to handle media conferences in difficult circumstances.

Mick had to haul himself off the team coach to explain his side's Scottish Cup exit at the hands of St Mirren just over a week ago.

At just 25-years-old, the defender who was the subject of interest from Newcastle United during the January transfer window could find himself picking up silverware for the foreseeable future if he remains at the club.

That, however, hasn't crossed his mind. McManus has an old head on young shoulders, and, as someone who has never got caught up in the trappings of being a successful top-flight footballer, is as grounded as they come.

So has the captaincy changed him?

"Not at all," insists McManus. "There are extra responsibilities that come with the role, but it is a massive honour to be the captain of this football club. Stephen McManus is inspired by former captains Tom Boyd, Paul Lambert and Jackie McNamara's exploits

"When I was informed by the manager that he was appointing me captain last summer it was a fantastic honour.

"As I mentioned, I spoke with Lenny just after I was made captain and he spoke to me about different bits and pieces. There are certain responsibilities that come with the role, such as speaking to the media at certain times and doing various things.

"However, we have a lot of experienced players at Celtic and each and every one of us shoulders the responsibility, which is important."

McManus says Celtic will have no problems getting their feet back on the ground after their League Cup success.

"You enjoy it for a night," he explained. "Then it's back to business and you get your mind back on the job.

"We went back to Celtic Park after Sunday's game and it was a nice evening. It's not every day you win a trophy so it's important you make the most of those occasions and enjoy the moment. And it was nice to reflect on what had happened early in the day.

"But we now turn our attention to Dundee United. Craig Levein has done a fantastic job there and they always make life really difficult.

"Obviously, retaining the title is our objective now and we must give that everything we've got in the remaining 10 league matches."