Source: FOOTYMAD
Commons senses something good
Neil Lennon's talent spotting worked in the past so new arrivals augers well for the new season Kris Commons is confident that manager Neil Lennon's summer signings have created a squad capable of loosening the Rangers grip on the SPL trophy. Lennon has brought in Kelvin Wilson, Adam Matthews and Victor Wanyama to battle for places in defence. The hunt for a 'keeper to replace Fraser Forster continues with Croatia international Stipe Pletikosa hoping to win a contract. South Africa striker Katlego Mphela is expected at Lennoxtown for a trial next week with a price tag of £1.5m if he fits the bill. But Lennon is generally happy with his squad after they gelled following a summer of major upheaval last year. Commons believes there is ample competition for places to keep everyone at the top of their game. The Scotland international said: "I think we showed some good performances last year and the best players are still here with us. The new additions have made us a better squad. Expectations are high on both parts, from the fans and ourselves and the coaching staff. I know the management are all looking to improve the squad and there is no point buying just for the sake of it. We will bring players in who are only going to improve our squad. The people who have come in have certainly done that. Competition for places has never been so strong, especially across then midfield and back four. So, if you're not quite performing at your best you know you're going to be missing out on the next game. It keeps us as hungry as possible and hopefully good things will happen this year." Celtic warm up for the SPL game on Sunday against Hibs when they take on Cardiff in the Welsh capital tonight. The game will see Matthews and Joe Ledley return to their former club and the midfielder is slightly anxious over the welcome that awaits him. Ledley said: "It's going to be a big occasion for me going back to my former club and where I was born. It's going to be a great honour but I don't know what the reception is going to be like. Maybe mixed, you never know, but they are entitled to do whatever they want - they pay their money to watch. Hopefully it will be cheers, you never know in football. But I had a great career at Cardiff and I'm looking forward to it."
