Commons battles for his future

KRIS COMMONS is determined to stay and fight for his Celtic future — even if it means facing down the toughest competition of his career. After a slow start to the transfer window for the Scottish champions, speculation over comings and goings under new manager Brendan Rodgers is on the rise, with Nir Bitton yesterday reported to be a £6million target for Espanyol. Defender Efe Ambrose could also be on his way, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in a £1.5m deal, but Commons insists he does not want to leave the club. Rodgers, with a

multitude of attacking midfield options at his disposal, has laid down the law over the athleticism expected of Commons — or any other player — if they are to be part of his plans. Despite being linked with a move to Hibs, where he would be reunited with former boss Neil Lennon, the former Scotland star has told friends that he is set on proving himself to the new manager. Commons, 32, is currently at home recovering from a back operation carried out at the end of last season. Although he is not scheduled to join the rest of the squad for the remainder of their pre-season tour of Slovenia, he is expected to resume full training within days. Rodgers already appears resigned to being without the influential midfielder, Scotland’s Player of the Year just two summers ago, for next week’s opening Champions League qualifier against either Flora Tallinn or Lincoln Red Imps. And, speaking at the weekend, the former Liverpool and Swansea boss made it perfectly clear that Commons will have to work hard in order to nail down a place in the Rodgers Revolution. ‘For Kris, or any player, they have to be able to play how I want to work,’ said Rodgers. ‘They have to be able to run. They have to be able to press. They have to be aggressive. ‘Celtic are used to having the ball, of course, but you have to get the ball back. ‘The possibility is open to every player. But at this moment in time Kris is just worrying about getting fit. And then we will see where he is at.’ Celtic fans will see the manager’s first signing in action tomorrow, meanwhile, with former Fulham striker Moussa Dembele deemed fit enough to take part against Olimpija Ljubljana. ‘He will play some part on Wednesday,’ confirmed Rodgers.