COMMONS QUESTION FACING DEILA - SO how do you solve a problem like Kris? And, more pertinently, how to solve it while trying to win a league, so keeping your job? These are just two of the questions that Ronny Deila must reflect on in the retreat to Gran Canaria. The reaction of the Celtic manager to the dismissal of Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Monday night led to speculation that the entire press corps had misjudged the arithmetic of the SPFL and that a trophy presentation was imminent. His punching of the night air was forgiveable in that Deila had watched his side drop five points in two matches. He may well be an incomer but he knows the reality of Scottish football and its particular demand on him: he must win the league. It is against this background that Deila, who once preached idealism, is slowly and understandably embracing pragmatism. He made three major decisions in selection against Kilmarnock. He brought back Liam Henderson, Stefan Scepovic and, most conspicuously, gave Kris Commons his first start in a league match since November. It was the inclusion of Commons that piqued interest. The Scottish internationalist simply does not fit the template of a Deila side. He does not have the mobility or the energy to press with conviction and he has little pace. He is, though, coming to the end of his contract and a decision must be made on him now. If Celtic decide he is surplus to requirement, he could attract a fee. He can go for nothing in the summer. It is believed Commons is happy in Glasgow and seeks an extended two-year deal. It is known he has his admirers in England, most notably at Bolton Wanderers. So whither Kris? It was thought he should not make plans for a long-term tenancy. But it has become complicated for Deila. His wide men have succumbed to injury, he can not find the sort of player who can play others in or score goals regularly. Commons is a viable solution to certain issues. He will score, though he was both unlucky and careless in front of goal at Kilmarnock. He will create goals, too. So Commons stays in the team? Simples. Eh, not quite. Deilas praise of Commons yesterday morning bears examination. Kris was very good - as the team. Translation: this was not a one-man show. He worked very hard. Translation: he doesnt always do that. There were good reactions when he lost the ball. Translation: he was tracking back for a change. Ninety minutes like that is what we want from Kris. If he does, that he is a very important player for the team Translation: he has to do it my way, every day. This crude interpretation was supported unwittingly by Scepovic who continually peppered his post-match comment with the term work hard. He also pointed out that players had to become accustomed to the managers way of training. Everyone expects us to be 15 points clear in the league because we are Celtic, he said of the champions who trail Aberdeen by one point with a game in hand. But a lot of players came in the summer and the manager came too so we need a little time to get to know each other and every game we are getting better, he added. The Serb was a beneficiary of Deilas ability to make a decision. He left John Guidetti and Leigh Griffiths on the bench and opted for the £2.3m signing from Sporting Gijon. Scepovic scored the goal that allayed all nerves. Deila, too, brought back Liam Henderson and the 18-year-old was bright and influential. But it was the decision to play Commons that was the most significant as the transfer window offers an opportunity for club and player to call it a day. The truth is that Commons does not crave a move from Celtic. It is also obvious that Deila has reservations about the player, but ones that can be overcome if needs must. The midfielder was crucial in Celtic winning the league last season. He has a part to play in any successful defence if both player and manager can find an easy accommodation in what already has been a testing season.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:33:39 +0000
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