KRIS COMMONS reckons Celtic are in a league of their own when it comes to the strength of player resources.
And the midfielder, who left the Hoops in the summer, reckons the battle between Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths for the main striker’s role highlights the happy situation.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has watched as the French frontman has netted four goals in under one-and-a-half games following his double as a second-half substitute against Hibs on Saturday and his two at Aberdeen on Wednesday.
While Dembele struggled to overcome his hamstring injury, Scotland international Griffiths took over the attack leader’s role and impressed with his all-round play plus seven goals.
Now the Irishman has a decision to make before the Kilmarnock match this afternoon and the Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich – both at Parkhead – on Tuesday night.
Former fans’ favourite Commons said: “Moussa Dembele or Leigh Griffiths?
“Griffiths found it difficult to get into the game in Munich. Celtic hoped Bayern wouldn’t fire on all cylinders. They were relying on the Germans not being at the top of their game. Unfortunately they were.
“It could have been two or three in the first 10 or 15 minutes. Griffiths spent the night up front on his own, picking off scraps.
“The thing Dembele gives you in these European games is physicality. He has a presence. He is strong, quick, clever, has a good touch.
“I know Griffiths is a quick lad and he has such an eye for goal. But, when he’s fit and on it, Moussa has the complete game.
“It was always going to take him a couple of games just to get back his match edge. We saw the signs of that coming back in Aberdeen.
“In the Champions League, he is a real asset. You only have to look at what he did last season, scoring twice against Manchester City and once against Borussia Monchengladbach as well.
“I know Griffiths wants to be the main man. He puts enormous pressure on himself to score and he expects to score every time.
“He thrives on being a focal point, a big player. And everything that comes with that.
“But I know how big a toll the expectation at Celtic can have on a player week in and week out.
“You’re not only expected to score goals in the Scottish Premiership. You are also expected to do it against the best teams in Europe as well.”
Commons added: “When it comes to utilising his resources, Brendan Rodgers benefits from one thing. He can make 11 changes to his starting side on any given Saturday and still finish top of the league.
“If Celtic fire on all cylinders, they will blow everyone away.
“Derek McInnes admitted as much. When they are in that frame of mind and as good as that, no-one can match them. They can’t get near them.
“With Moussa Dembele up front and Scotland’s centre-forward warming the bench, Celtic are now in a league of their own.”
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