‘NOT ASHAMED JUST NOT AT THE RACES’ COMMONS

CELTIC midfielder Kris Commons is adamant fear was NOT a factor in the Champions League play-off flop against Malmo.

Ronny Deila said his players looked “scared and frightened” during the 2-0 defeat in Sweden.

But Commons said: “We have lads who have played in the Champions League, Europa League, international football.

“This was a big game, but I wouldn’t say there were boys that were scared of the challenge.

“I don’t think we were playing with fear. I think when you’ve just got the one goal lead you’re thinking a clean sheet or a draw and you’re through.

“They came in needing goals and came out on the front foot whereas we were perhaps just trying to do enough to keep a clean sheet.”

Celtic had a goal disallowed in the first half after Nir Bitton was judged to have committed a foul and Commons believed that decision had a major bearing.

He said: “I think if we’d have come in 1-1 at half time then it puts a whole different complexion on the game.

“We would’ve just needed to keep a clean sheet for 45 minutes. But coming in at half-time knowing we had to go and get a goal we started to become disgruntled.

“We knew the magnitude of the game and it led to us chasing the game and starting to make silly mistakes.

“Once they scored we began to take chances. Second-half, they sat in and defended their own 18-yard line and tried to hit us on the counter-attack.”

Scott Brown admitted he was “ashamed” of the performance, but Commons said: “That’s Scott’s opinion.

“I’m not ashamed. I gave my all. I tried my best. Sometimes that’s just not good enough.

“I’m bitterly disappointed and angry. I feel like it’s a good opportunity missed.

“At this level, if you’re not quite at the races, you get punished no matter what team you play.”