Commons Playing A Risky Game - Deila
Kris Commons is "taking a risk" by holding out for a better contract at Celtic, according to boss Ronny Deila.
Photo by Jeff Holmes Kris Commons is "taking a risk" by holding out for a better contract at Celtic, according to boss Ronny Deila. Speaking after scoring in the Hoops' 4-3 Europa League Group D defeat at Dinamo Zagreb, the 31-year-old midfielder claimed the new deal offered by the Scottish champions was unacceptable. The midfielder, out of contract in the summer, admitted the length of the deal was a sticking point and added: "If they want me here, they'll keep me here." When pointed out to Deila that Commons seemed to be clear on what he was looking for, the Norwegian said: "Yes, but then he is taking a risk. "Negotiation is to try and get an agreement. Everyone has to give and take and we will see what happens. "It is the same every time we want to sign somebody or we want new players in. It is normal procedure. "We haven't offered him one year. "Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) is talking with his agent and talking about the structure in the contract and that's where are now. "And when you get older, it is more risk for the clubs to take longer contracts and it is also to keep them (players) hungry, which is also important. "I have influence on it, we are doing this together. "We have a club to take care of and we are going to try to improve the team and see what is the best. "I talk to Kris a lot and we have a good relationship. "He is a good football player. Everyone saw what he can do yesterday, he scored a goal and had a good free-kick. That is fantastic. "We have to keep on and see if we agree." Asked if he was confident of a resolution being found, Deila, speaking at Celtic Park ahead of Sunday's home Scottish Premiership clash with St Mirren, said: "You never know in negotiations and it is also about what can we get. "This is something we have to look for in the future but he is a good player." The Parkhead club, already qualified for the last-32 of the UEFA Cup, could be in trouble with UEFA after a flare was lit in the section housing around 1,000 Hoops fans at the Stadion Maksimir. There were also unconfirmed reports claiming that local police used CS spray in order to control some of the travelling supporters. Celtic were fined £21,000 by European football's governing body in 2012 for fan-related incidents during their Europa League match against Udinese. The Scottish champions were charged with "the displaying of an offensive banner and setting off of fireworks by fans" in their match in Italy in December, 2011. In a Premiership game against Motherwell at Fir Park a year ago, 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and a flare were set off in the away end. Earlier this month Hearts owner Ann Budge criticised the behaviour of some of the Jambos' support and Celtic fans at a Scottish Cup tie at Tynecastle but aimed most of her wrath at the travelling support, stating that she was "appalled" at vandalism she says "caused the destruction of close to 100 seats" at the ground. She also complained of intimidation'' of Hearts fans and staff. Deila, though, will leave the club to deal with any possible ramifications from the trip to Croatia. The former Stromsgodset boss said: "I haven't seen it. It is something the club have to deal with. "Overall, I really appreciated so many fans going to Zagreb for a game where we had nothing to play for. "It is very pleasing and they did a very good job in the stands but I don't know about this (incident)."