Loan exit is looking likely for frustrated Commons
ONCE regarded as the key to Celtic unlocking a defence on a big European night, Kris Commons was available for selection only by the club’s public relations wing when Borussia Monchengladbach visited Glasgow two weeks ago.
Commons, not included in the 24-man Champions League squad lodged to UEFA in September, appeared at the fan zone in the city centre’s George Square where he posed for pictures and penned autographs.
As another hectic week in the Brendan Rodgers era passes without Commons playing any meaningful role, it’s clear that if the 33-year-old does harbour desires to play first-team football this season then he would be advised to leave Celtic in January.
He is out of contract at the end of the season.
Rodgers as good as admitted that Commons, scorer of four goals in the Europa League last season, won’t be troubling his first-team plans.
The Celtic manager said: ‘There’s no doubting his qualities and what he’s shown over three, four years here but it’s a different team playing in a different way. ‘I’ve brought in players who play in a slightly different way to how he’s played before. ‘To every player where there was maybe a doubt that they were going to play, I spoke to them about that in the summer. ‘All I’ve ever said is: “If you’re not playing or not in the plans, just respect the work”. And I’ve never had an issue with any of them. I spoke to Kris in the first week I was here. He knew clearly what my plan was for the team going forward. He’s a good guy, I like him. It’s been tough. ‘He trains hard every day, he’s doing his best to fight and work. ‘But it’s hard to leave a club like Celtic, especially if you’re enjoying training.’