Source: Team_Talk
Kris: Switch is no disadvantage
Kris Commons does not think the switching of Thursday's Europa League play-off first-leg tie against Sion to Parkhead will disadvantage Celtic.[LNB] 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.[LNB]However, Commons does not necessarily buy in to the popular theory that playing a European tie at home in the second leg is preferable.[LNB]Speaking at Lennoxtown yesterday where he was helping to promote ticket sales for the visit of the Swiss club, the Celtic midfielder refuted the suggestion that it could make any difference to the outcome of the tie.[LNB]"I don't thank so," he said.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"It's good that we can try to build a lead."[LNB]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.[LNB]In mitigation, the Scotland midfielder points to the fact he only joined Celtic from Derby in January.[LNB]However, he has been included in the warning given to the Hoops' players by Lennon.[LNB]"Obviously it was a failure last year," said Commons.[LNB]"I know I wasn't part of it but the manager has certainly made us aware that it can't happen again.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We know we are in for a tough test. We have to approach every game in a professional manner.[LNB]"You have to do your background and research on any team in Europe.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We will now look at their qualities and weaknesses and hopefully we can capitalise on their weaknesses."[LNB]
