Commons looks for home comforts

17 August 2011 08:00

Kris Commons does not believe the switching of Thursday night's Europa League play-off first-leg tie against Sion to Parkhead will disadvantage Celtic.

Neil Lennon's side were originally scheduled to play the first game in Switzerland but with Rangers also due to play the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie with Maribor in Glasgow on the same night as the Hoops' return meeting, UEFA stepped in to order a reversal of Celtic's fixtures.

But Commons refuted the suggestion that could make any difference to the outcome of the tie, and said: "I don't thank so. Obviously we got the home game early but we will be going in to that trying to get a couple of goals to take over there. It's good that we can try to build a lead."

Commons and the rest of the Celtic players will be determined to prevent a repeat of last season when Lennon's side were dumped out of the Champions League and Europa League at the qualifying stages by Braga and Utrecht respectively.

In mitigation, the Scotland midfielder points to the fact he only joined Celtic from Derby in January.

However, he has been included in the warning given to the Hoops' players by Lennon.

"Obviously it was a failure last year," said Commons. "I know I wasn't part of it but the manager has certainly made us aware that it can't happen again.

"He thinks we are a better squad than at the start of last year and thinks we are more prepared for Europe now so hopefully we can kick on.

"We know we are in for a tough test. We have to approach every game in a professional manner.

You have to do your background and research on any team in Europe. I think the coaching staff and scouts have gone out and watched them so there are no changes on the night that we don't expect."

Source: PA