Celtic hope to bury Euro misery against Motherwell

04 October 2013 09:35

Kris Commons wants Celtic to put the disappointment of defeat against Barcelona behind them and get back to winning ways against Motherwell on Saturday.

A late Cesc Fabregas header sealed a 1-0 win for the Spanish giants to leave Celtic pointless and at the bottom of Group H in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Neil Lennon's side welcome Motherwell, who are on a six-game unbeaten domestic run, to Celtic Park on Saturday and former Scotland international Commons says he is hoping to avoid a slip-up.

Following last year's memorable victory over Barcelona, Celtic dropped two points at home to St Johnstone, and that type of Champions League hangover proved a common concern.

However, on the evidence of this season the Hoops seem to have overcome the problems they encountered following European matches and forward Commons is in no mood to let bad habits return.

"From the experience of last year, we are desperate to get back to winning ways, play some good football and hopefully do the things right we didn't do on Tuesday night, and score some goals," Commons said.

"We were a bit guilty last year of being a bit lacklustre in these games and losing, so the manager will have us fired up and ready for it."

Unlike the match against Barcelona, the Celtic will have the lion's share of possession against Motherwell, who are just three points behind them in third place.

However, Commons knows Stuart McCall's in-form side, who have won four of their past five matches, will provide Celtic with a stiff test.

"They are playing well and it's going to be a tough game, and a completely different one to Tuesday, but we will be expected to go out and win," added Commons.

"Hopefully we can put on a show and pick up where we left off in the league and pick up three points."

Celtic were ruthless in front of goal last weekend against Kilmarnock in a 5-2 win but after failing to find the net against Barca Commons doesn't want to leave Parkhead on Saturday ruing any more missed chances.

"There is a fine line between not scoring and taking all three points," Commons said.

"We did create chances and defended magnificently against Barcelona but if you don't take your chances you are always open to losing 1-0 and they managed to get that."

Dundee United, who are unbeaten in four matches, welcome Kilmarnock, who are still looking for their first win of the season, to Tannadice.

Bottom of the table Hearts, who are still nine points adrift from safety, welcome second-bottom St Mirren for a crucial clash at Tynecastle.

Aberdeen, unbeaten in six matches, travel to Victoria Park to face Aberdeen while top of the table Inverness Caledonian Thistle make the trip to Perth as they take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Saturday (1400GMT)

Celtic v Motherwell, Dundee Utd v Kilmarnock, Hearts v St Mirren, Ross County v Aberdeen, St Johnstone v Inverness CT

Monday

Partick Thistle v Hibernian (1845GMT)

Source: AFP