THE outcome of the Kris Commons contract impasse could make the difference between Celtic winning and losing the league, according to Murdo MacLeod.
Commons's future has still to be resolved only months from the end of his current deal and Bolton manager Neil Lennon is eager to sign him if he can raise money by moving on others in January.
Last season's top scorer is holding out for a contract covering another two full seasons but manager Ronny Deila has not been prepared to give that length of commitment to a player aged 31. The stalemate has barely moved in months, with some supporters anxious that the prolific Commons may be forced out of the club even though he wants to stay.
Former Parkhead favourite MacLeod said he was baffled by Celtic's attitude and claimed it could prove to be hugely significant given the strong challenge being mounted by current Premiership leaders Aberdeen. "I think the Kris Commons situation is the strangest situation in football just now," said MacLeod.
"I watched him last week at Kilmarnock and, by a country mile, you would pay money to watch Kris Commons more than any other player in Scotland. He scores goals. Celtic are looking for a goalscorer and with John Guidetti off form just now the manager doesn't know who to play up front. Stefan Johansen is a good player, but he can't fill that goalscoring role just off the front in the same way Commons can.
"It is a poor situation when you have Scotland's reigning Player of the Year who is still desperate to stay at the club, yet they are making it difficult for him. At some point, if it doesn't happen, he will go. He will be squeezed out of the door if he doesn't get what he wants.
"Celtic are a poorer side without him, there's no doubt about that. He is the one player in the team who has got a spark. It could make the difference between Celtic winning and losing the league if Kris Commons leaves this month."
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