Commons: Hibs have class and grit to finish second
KRIS COMMONS is convinced Hibs have what it takes to finish second behind Celtic this season.
The Easter Road outfit have returned to the Premiership in impressive style, kicking off with a home win over Partick Thistle and following that up with Saturday’s 3-2 triumph over Rangers at Ibrox.
Manager Neil Lennon has said the capital club could challenge the likes of Rangers, Aberdeen and city rivals Hearts for the runners-up spot behind champions Celtic.
And Commons believes the addition of former Parkhead team-mates Anthony Stokes and Efe Ambrose, and Scotland internationalist Steven Whittaker, as well as Simon Murray’s goals, gives them a real chance of finishing second.
He said: “Are they serious contenders for second? Absolutely. I think they’re right up there.
“They’ve brought in some very experienced international players, players who have played in the Champions League. They’ve recruited well.
“They’ve certainly done well with Simon Murray up front. Double figures at this stage of the season is an absolute phenomenal return.
“If he can keep the foot on the gas, he could be talking about scoring 30 goals by January or February.
“If he does that they’re right in with a chance of finishing second.”
“Commons had a short spell on loan at Hibs last season and is likely to join the club if he recovers from back surgery.
He played five times and scoring twice on the way to the Easter Road side clinching the title and promotion to the top-flight.
And the Scotland cap believes that experience of battling back from the bitter disappointment of relegation in 2014 can benefit the men in green and white now they have returned to the Premiership.
The 33-year-old added: “I think the games they’ve had in the Championship for the last three years have given them that edge of fighting for games, the hustle and the bustle and not so much the pretty football on the park.
“They’ve got players who can step up, when there’s a scrap and you’re expected to go to Ibrox and put down a marker.
“They play terrific football, create chances and score goals, and they can mix it up when they need to. It’s a great blend.”