Commons needed for busy February

Neil Lennon’s comments that he will need to sell at Bolton Wanderers before making a bid for Kris Commons, or anyone else, are welcome.  Celtic have four important games in the four weeks after this transfer window closes: home and away to Inter Milan, Aberdeen in the league, and a League Cup semi-final against newco Rangers.  Commons will be vital for some, if not all of these games.

Inter will play on the front foot and Aberdeen have the players to take the game to us, as they did in the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park last season, but I expect newco to defend their 18 yard line in numbers, a bit like Ross County did last week, a scenario which will require someone with Commons’ craft.

Neil Warnock’s sacking at Crystal Palace was good news, as he wanted Commons, had money to spend and could offer the allure of top-flight football.  Neil Lennon would be able to offer Commons familiarity, but with Bolton spending a total of £300k in the summer, their chances of being able to afford a bid for Commons that would raise Celtic’s interest are limited.