Commons toasts 'the best goal of his career'

It came on the seventh anniversary of the death of his daughter, Lola Grace, stillborn just hours after a final pregnancy scan had failed to find signs of a heartbeat.

Commons and his partner, Lisa, have since been blessed with the joy of having three more children, April, five, William, three and two-year-old Jax. However, as he spoke about his latest goalscoring intervention in a Glasgow derby, his fourth in eight outings, it became impossible for the attacking midfielder to avoid mention of the poignant backdrop to the match.

"It is a very important day for me as it is seven years to the day since I lost my daughter, so that was the best goal," stated Commons, who was making his way at Nottingham Forest at the time of Lola Grace's passing. "The goal was for her.

"It is definitely emotional. Everyone knows about it going into the game, but it is the emotional side of things that my missus and family are going through.

"When it goes in, you just think it is happy days and it is 2-0. Once you are off the park, it sinks in what was happening seven years ago.

"I had family and friends here from down Nottingham way, so I'm sure they will be happier going down the road.

"Initially, when I struck the ball, I thought he (Rangers goalkeeper, Steve Simonsen) would save it. There was a little bit of movement, but I wasn't sure if he got a slight hand to it.

"It was great to get off to the ideal start. It is great when something you dream about and put into practice on the training ground actually works out."

From a footballing perspective, Commons' goal and his all-round display merely reiterated just what an important and influential player he can be.

His former manager at the SPFL Premiership champions, Neil Lennon, was interested in taking him to Bolton Wanderers during the transfer window. Of course, that could still happen before the window closes this evening, but the chances are becoming ever slimmer.

Commons has reported that there is talk of the two-year contract he desires in the offing, although he did joke after yesterday's League Cup semi-final victory that he may look for a fresh spot of renegotiation with the club's chief executive, Peter Lawwell.

"If you could pull Peter Lawwell in, he might have it in his back pocket now," he joked. "Tell him I'm after a three-year one and not a two-year."

There is a serious point to all this, though. Commons is 31 years of age. Celtic's initial feeling was that he was too old to be given more than a season at a time, but he points out that yesterday's events prove that he is a man they can depend upon when the pressure and expectation weighs heavily.

"It is strange for me that I need to keep reminding them," he said.

"What more do I need to do than say I am fit, healthy and a big player? I turn up for big games.

"I can't see me leaving anywhere, though. I don't know, but I have not heard anything and I am unaware of any activity.

"For many weeks, I have said it is in Celtic's hands to keep me at the club.

"I've had conversations with the manager about the fact that I'm not leaving. It is pleasing for me if that's the case, but I'm hoping my contract will be sorted sooner rather than later.

"I've had confirmation that we're getting there, so I hope that will be sorted. They've not put anything on the table, but the word is that it is near.

"It's something that's been going on for far too long. It's something that should be sorted so that I can concentrate on what's going to be a very busy and hectic few months."

Celtic started strongly in yesterday's Old Firm encounter. Within a matter of seconds, they had the ball deep in Rangers' territory, putting a vulnerable defence under immediate pressure.

Commons admits that was always part of the gameplan and recognises that it had the desired effect.

"The biggest weakness for Rangers is they are playing in a league where they are not playing at the highest tempo," he said. "We played at a tempo that they were not used to and that shook them a bit.

"They knew they were going to be in a tough game and it was just a matter of us turning up and playing at our very best on a very difficult surface.

"We wanted to put them under pressure and see what they are all about.

A lot of things had been said prior to the match which gives you fire in your belly to prove the doubters wrong and those who expect you to win, but have little pops in the media hoping you slip up."

**ENDS**

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