The Celtic transfer mistake Hoops CAN’T afford to repeat as Kris Commons says Rangers ARE threat to Premiership title
KRIS COMMONS has told restless Celtic fans to stay calm and keep the faith.
The Viaplay Cup defeat at Kilmarnock - and dismal performance - has suddenly put an intense spotlight on the Treble winners’ transfer business this summer.
Supporters are demanding big money’s spent on players of greater pedigree instead of so-called project signings before the transfer window closes on September 1.
So far boss Brendan Rodgers has spent close to £15 million on six players.
Yet, fans and many pundits, including ex-boss Neil Lennon, feel as things stand the squad’s still NOWHERE near equipped for the upcoming Champions League group stages.
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Currently sidelined are Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh,Yuki Kobayashi, Reo Hatate, Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Marco Tilio and Mikey Johnston.
Ex-Celts hero Commons agrees the squad urgently needs strengthening with proven quality.
But the 39-year-old – set to wear the Hoops again in the Scottish Masters Cup at Braehead on September 9 – believes Rodgers will deliver what’s required.
Commons sees a centre-half and striker as Celtic’s priority transfer areas.
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And he told SunSport: “They’ve had a real good run in recent years, players coming in and hitting the ground running. Especially under Ange Postecoglou.
“So, to be critical this early on would be silly.
“Brendan knows exactly what he needs, what’s requires. The evidence was there against Kilmarnock. They do need reinforcements.
“But replacing people like Jota – a top, top player – is always difficult.
“Someone needs to be found, but they can’t rush in for that kind of player.
“Remember, in Brendan’s first spell in charge he suffered that very unlikely defeat in Gibraltar and there was an immediate pressure. But things didn’t work out too badly after that.
“It’s not all plain-sailing, it’s not all Trebles, it’s not all winning week in week out. Obviously, the famous unbeaten season.
“Brendan’s well experienced enough to know what’s required.
“The long term goal will be winning the title and having a real good crack at Europe, the one thing he probably didn’t do at Celtic first time round.
“I don’t see the need for panic. There’s time left in this window and I think there will be lots of business done.
“Celtic can’t panic buy. It happened in the past with the likes of Ajeti and Barkas.
“So, I’d say keep the faith, don’t panic.
“There will be players in the pipeline and they’ll have a big budget. They’ve got money to spend.
“Hopefully they get their main targets in and they hit the ground running. They play Rangers soon and then there’s the Champions League football.
“The signings will have to be really at it from the start.
“Right now, I would have a slight concern about the squad. I don’t think Celtic now would be strong enough to compete in Europe.
“If Kyogo’s not bang on form then I think they lack that kind of alternative striker. I thought Giakoumakis was a great back-up player.
“Oh’s injured, so if Kyogo was also to be forced out then it would be hard to see where the goals would be coming from.
“A striker and another centre-half would be my priority signings.
“And I mean guys who can come in and make an impact.
“Proper centre-forwards score goals and win games, create drama and are match-winners.
“In Brendan’s first spell he had great attacking threats in Tom Rogic, Patrick Roberts, James Forrest, Moussa Dembele, Scott Sinclair, Odsonne Edouard.
“You don’t see that kind of quality in this squad, just yet.
“But what they have got is still time to go into the transfer market and buy wisely.
“I’d rather they bought one or two real good quality players instead of stacking out the squad with four or five you’d be taking a chance on.”
Commons, meanwhile, has already seen enough of Michael Beale’s Rangers – and noted their signings – to feel they’ll be a major title threat for Celtic.
He added: “Without a shadow of a doubt, I see Rangers as a threat.
“I think they’ve invested well. The team looks energetic with good pace.
“They lost good players – but they’ve spent big money.
“Watching them against PSV I thought they were very good.
“The big question mark still over Rangers, though, is can they do it every week?”
COMMONS is confident he’s in great nick again to destroy Rangers after getting fit through new sports craze Padel.
The former Celtic hero is pulling on the Hoops again for the Scottish Masters Cup 2023 at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena on September 9.
Rangers, Hibs and Hearts are lined up too for the popular sixes tournament which will see legends such as Joe Ledley, Barry Ferguson, Gary Hooper, SunSport columnist Kris Boyd, Derek Riordan and Pasquale Bruno all stick the boots on again.
And Commons – who turns 40 next week – can’t wait to resume Old Firm rivalry after six and a half years at Parkhead where he struck four goals in eight games against Celtic’s biggest foes.
The former Scotland star, a bargain £300,000 signing from Derby County in 2011 and capped 12 times by Scotland, told SunSport Online: “I’ve been working hard to get ready for Braehead.
“It will be great teaming up again with old team-mates – and for sure, once we get the kit and the boots back on that competitive edge will be back!
“I’ve got no doubt it will be the same also for the Rangers, Hibs and Hearts lads.
“If you’ve ever played for the Old Firm then those old feelings come to the top again.
“Whenever former professionals get the chance to play in events like this then we’re serious about winning.
“Listen, there will be a few laughs and the banter will be flying, which will be brilliant.
“But, make no mistake, we’ll be desperate to beat Rangers again.
“I know my Celtic team-mates will be fired up to win the Masters Cup.
“I loved the derby games when I was at Celtic and I was fortunate to get a few goals and some good victories.
“My fitness isn’t too bad. I’ve been playing a lot of Padel, a racket sport which has a bit of tennis and squash to it. It pushes you but it’s very enjoyable.
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“The Hoops jersey might feel a little bit TIGHTER a few years on – but I’ll be ready!”
*Kris Commons was speaking ahead of the Scottish Masters Cup 2023 at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow on the 9th September. To purchase your tickets, please visit https://braeheadarena.co.uk/events/scottish-masters/
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