Commons Hopeful Over Contract

Pic by Jeff Holmes

Celtic playmaker Kris Commons has revealed his contract stand-off with Parkhead chiefs could soon be settled. The Hoops attacker showed just how vital he is to Ronny Deila's plans with a stunning 20-yard strike which killed off Rangers' hopes of upsetting their old rivals in the QTS Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden. But with his deal set to run out at the end of the season, last year's 31-goal top scorer is still waiting to pen a fresh agreement. The 31-year-old wants a new two-year contract but so far Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has only been willing to grant a new 12-month deal - with the option of another year depending on appearances. But former Scotland international Commons says the two sides are close to a compromise on the terms. He said: I've had conversations with the manager about me not leaving, and that has been pleasing for me that that is the case."Now I'm hoping that sooner rather than later my contract will be sorted. It's been going on for far too long and it should be sorted so I can concentrate on what should be a very busy and hectic few months now." I've had conformation that we are getting there so hopefully it should be sorted."They have not put anything on the table yet but I think the words that have been discussed are near on.'' Commons rattled home Celtic's second in the 31st minute after Rangers allowed him space on the edge of their box to pick his spot. His shot whizzed past Steve Simonsen and crowned off a comfortable victory for Deila's side in the first meeting of the teams for three years. And Commons admitted it is the unique atmosphere generated by the Glasgow derby which is one of the many lures of staying at Parkhead. What Celtic brings you is fanatical fans, European football and a joy to play for the club and I think it just ticks so many boxes for people coming through the door,'' he said.These sort of games Old Firm clashes are luxuries that you play in and win, lose or draw, it's still brilliant." It's like a Superbowl with the press, the fans, the build-up. It's brilliant and you want to be involved in it, no question.'' Kenny McDowall's brave Light Blues were never a threat to the Scottish Premiership leaders but did well to limit the damage. However, Commons insists a heavy drubbing would have been highly unlikely, even if Rangers are playing their football one division down from the top flight. Asked if it was disrespectful to suggest Celtic should have won by more, he said:Yeah, possibly a little disrespectful. Scottish people know these games are tough. The FA Cup down in England proved it's not easy winning games. You still have to go out and perform." Underdogs nowadays give it their all. They have nothing to lose."That was the benefit of Rangers coming into this game. They were the underdogs and people expected them to lose two or three." From our point of view, people were expecting us to win by three and four."It was a fair result in the end and a comfortable victory but we have bigger fish to fry in the final and hopefully win the cup." Any victory against your main rivals is sweet - 1-0 or 5-0, you will take it. But there will be a lot of happy punters out there tonight.''