Commons, one of the most influential Celtic players of the decade

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We’d heard all about Kris Commons when he arrived from Derby County in January 2011, his was a was a name which had floated around the ‘One to watch’ lists for a while, but we didn’t know what we were in for.

In scoring 11 goals in our 14 remaining league games he put up a one man title challenge.  That was the last league Celtic lost, so it remains an open wound, but without Kris’ it would now have been contested.

The music stopped the following season as Kris went until April before opening his account – a fabulous chip as we waved Rangers a goodbye and good-riddance at Celtic Park, but he was back on track the following year.

That season Kris played all 8 games in our Champions League run to the last 16, scored 11 in the league and created a further 12.  There was always a feeling that Scottish clubs had to sacrifice players with flair when playing tier-one opponents, but Kris got his start in the historic game against Barcelona and gave his team-mates a valuable out-ball.

Probably the most important goal he scored in his life was the opener against Shakhter Karagandy in the 2013 Champions League play-off round.  Shakhter were 2-0 up from the first leg and 45 minutes had passed without the breakthrough when Kris collected the ball.  His shot in first-half added time from fully 30 yards swerved away from the keeper into the corner of the net.

The Ronny Delia years will be remembered, among other things, for the manager’s apparent reluctance to use a traditional no. 10, but results determined that Kris was called on.  He scored in four of the five Europa League group stage games he played in last season (we only scored five in total in those games).  A player who appeared to be written-off was clearly indispensable.

The Brendan Rodgers era started with Kris long-term injured, having turned 33, and in the last year of his contract.  Now fit, opportunities to break into a team which looks like breaking records are slight, so joining Neil Lennon at Hibs is an obvious move.  It should work out for both of them.

It’s an emergency loan deal to Hibs, so Kris remains a Celtic player for now, but there’s a good chance the he’ll move permanently when the window opens next month.

Best wishes, Kris, without doubt one of the most influential Celtic players of the decade.

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  1. What is the Stars on

    Looking forward to seeing the bhoys this afternoon. And possibly meeting a few CQNers in WEST later.

     

    And oh hoorah let England quake

     

    The WESTs awake. .The WEST s awake

     

     

    Almore could you recommend a good cafe

  2. Jobo I know the ghuy who was second, Andrew Joyce a big Tim his old man will be pleased with that placing. H H Hebcelt

  3. Jobo Baldie on 17th December 2016 12:49 pm

     

     

    I’m 54 and proud of it!

     

     

    ====================================

     

     

    How many of those were EBT years?

  4. According to BBC, Sinclair has recovered.

     

     

    If so then I hope he features. Perhaps a sub initially? Guess it depends on how he was performing in training…

  5. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    The inmates at Winston Green know how to throw a party.

     

     

    Razed the roof!

  6. Hebcelt – if I ever catch up with him I’ll say hello!

     

    SFTB – very good!

     

    Sandman – good shout, Maybe I’m only in my early 40’s.

     

     

    Hope to see some of you at The Corner in around an hour. And to set the scene – https://youtu.be/MYPBF4s8m_Y

  7. TONYDONNELLY67 on 17TH DECEMBER 2016 1:04 PM

     

    Is Sinclair fit? He only started training with the squad this week I read somewhere?

     

     

     

    Hopefully 20 mins or so today Tony.

  8. BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 17TH DECEMBER 2016 1:13 PM

     

     

    The inmates at Winston Green know how to throw a party.

     

     

    Razed the roof!

     

    ———————————–

     

    I’m sure Liz Truss has it covered (!)

  9. Richie #TeamOscarForever on

    What is the Stars on 17th December 2016 12:56 pm

     

    Looking forward to seeing the bhoys this afternoon. And possibly meeting a few CQNers in WEST later.

     

    And oh hoorah let England quake

     

    The WESTs awake. .The WEST s awake

     

     

    Almore could you recommend a good cafe

     

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    Tiffanys, 33 Glassford Street :-)

  10. Jobo Baldie on 17th December 2016 1:26 pm

     

    Big Joe –

     

     

     

    congratulations, you’ve passed!

     

     

     

    Its the only test I have ever passed…………………

     

     

    How’s life bud………………………..

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