IF this ends up being Kris Commons’ final game for Hibernian, then at least he went out on a high. The midfielder’s month-long emergency loan from Celtic expires today and, with his next destination still to be ascertained, he delivered what might prove to be the ideal leaving gift by scoring the only goal of a scrappy, hard-fought match with Dumbarton. With Dundee United only drawing at home with Queen of the South, the victory had the effect of stretching Hibs’ lead at the top of the Championship to six points.
Hibs and Commons could be good for each other over the remainder of the season - with the former chasing the title and the latter needing regular football - but Celtic will likely have their say on what happens next for the 33 year-old even though he hasn’t troubled their first team this season under Brendan Rodgers. Another suitor down south could also emerge in the coming weeks, but manager Neil Lennon admitted he would love to keep the player and thinks Commons might feel similar.
“He’s a class player and no one knows him better than me,” said the Northern Irishman of the player he signed for Celtic in 2011. “I don’t think he’s ever been fully fit in his spell here but he’s still come up with two big goals for us.
“I don’t know what our chances are of keeping him. It’s something we’ll have to discuss over the next few days. If we could do it, then we would. I’ve not really spoken much to him about it. But I’d think he’d like to stay. I think he’s enjoyed it. He’s enjoying his football and getting back out playing again. But there may be other suitors out there for him given the contribution he has made here.”
The player was also unsure of what might happen next. “I need to speak to Celtic first and foremost about their situation regarding myself and then options will probably come,” said Commons. “Obviously they are just back from a sunny break in Dubai and I will be touching base with them on what their plans are. Hopefully we will resolve something sooner rather than later.”
This was not vintage Commons by any stretch – in truth, nobody in Hibs colours excelled on a freezing afternoon down by the Clyde – but his class was still evident in the goal he scored after 14 minutes. There was still plenty for him to do after Chris Humphrey’s cross was headed out to him by defender Darren Barr but he met the ball sweetly on the half-volley to calmly guide it beyond the goalkeeper.
“It’s the sort of thing I have been doing for a long time – crucial goals at crucial times,” Commons said. “I’d like to think I have contributed in my time here. But they have helped me out just as much. It has been a pleasure to play here.”
Hibs, though, would not have everything their own way, especially in the second half when they had to survive some sustained Dumbarton pressure. Recent home wins over Dundee United and Falkirk contributed towards Stevie Aitken being named the manager of the month and it would have counted as another notable scalp had his players being able to stop Hibs in their tracks.
Despite a few near things, most notably a late sclaff at the back post by substitute Christian Nade, Dumbarton couldn’t make their superior possession pay despite having the best player on the park in Raith loanee Lewis Vaughan who was unlucky to see one bewitching second half dribbled snuffed out by the goalkeeper.
“I think if you’re connected with Dumbarton, you have to be proud of that performance,” said Aitken. “I certainly am. Yes, we lost the game but we did deserve something. I don’t think anyone will question that. It was a big effort from my team and we just came up short.”
Hibernian, as Lennon later pointed out, were still able to amass and miss a glut of second-half chances. Lewis Stevenson and Martin Boyle both had shots saved after cutting in from the left wing, while substitute Grant Holt couldn’t get sufficient purchase on a header, but one goal ended up being enough on this occasion. With a bit of breathing space at the top of the table, Lennon knew this could be a significant result. “That was a big win,” he added. “Dumbarton had a good go at it and these are the games that you have to just grind out sometimes.”
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