Source: Team_Talk
Bhoys better off now - Commons
Winger Kris Commons is confident Celtic have a strong enough squad to end Rangers' grip on the Scottish Premier League trophy. Celtic have made three signings this summer with Kelvin Wilson, Adam Matthews and Victor Wanyama brought in to battle for places in defence.Manager Neil Lennon is searching for a goalkeeper to replace Fraser Forster, with Croatia international Stipe Pletikosa aiming to win a contract.South Africa striker Katlego Mphela, 26, is also expected at Lennoxtown for a trial next week.But Lennon is generally happy with his squad after they gelled following a summer of major upheaval last year.And Commons believes there is ample competition for places to keep everyone at the top of their game as Celtic look to stop Rangers claiming a fourth consecutive championship.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 their SPL opener against Hibernian when they take on Cardiff in the Welsh capital on Wednesday night.The match sees 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."