Commons on the double as Celtic in rampant form
The Hoops midfielder hit the ground running when he signed from Derby in January 2011, notching 14 goals by the end of the campaign in only 21 appearances.
However, last season was a struggle for the 29-year-old and he scored only once and lost his place in the Scotland squad.
However, a rejuvenated Commons is back in the international fold and his two goals against Hibs — with Mikael Lustig getting the other with what looked like the help of his arm — took his tally for the season to 16, a figure which he says will spur him onto reaching 20 before the end of the season.
The former Nottingham Forest and Derby player said: “Last season wasn’t anything to rave about was it? So it is nice to get back to scoring.
“Getting goals is a big part of my game as is creating goals and when you are not quite at the races and not scoring or creating you do take criticism so for me to score goals and create and play a part in winning a championship and hopefully a double, would be a bonus.”
Despite Commons’ best efforts against a limited Leith side, Celtic came up short in their bid to clinch the title after Motherwell scored a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw against St Mirren at Fir Park.
Neil Lennon’s men are 15 points clear of the Steelmen with five games remaining and the SPL’s post-split fixtures will be announced today.
Celtic will play Dundee United in next week’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden before they return to league duty.
Commons, who revealed that he had taken pain killers for an ankle problem which threatened to keep him out, said: “Hopefully we can get the job done in a couple of weeks.”
