Commons fancies United clash

Kris Commons believes Celtic are a match for anyone in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but would prefer a tie against boyhood heroes Manchester United.

Last Updated: 07/12/12 at 09:27 Post Comment

Kris Commons: Hoping to face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions L

Kris Commons: Hoping to face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions L

The Hoops midfielder slammed in a dramatic late penalty in the Group G decider against Spartak Moscow at Parkhead on Wednesday to seal the 2-1 win and a place in the knockout stages of the competition along with Barcelona.

Neil Lennon's men could face United, Malaga, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke or Paris St Germain when the draw is made on December 20.

Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1 at Parkhead on their way to reaching 10 points and it is that victory which Commons holds up as evidence of the Scottish champions' confidence.

However, Scotland international Commons, who played for Stoke, Derby and Nottingham Forest before his move to Celtic in 2011, would like another trip to Old Trafford.

"I think we can beat anyone on our day, we have proved that, not only in the SPL but in Europe, we can beat top, top sides," said Commons.

"With our fans and the way we set out to win games, I don't think anyone will fancy coming to play us. So it's going to be a tough draw for whoever it is.

"There are a few really tough sides but being a boy from down south, I would like to play Man United.

"I've played them before a couple of times but I was a Man United fan as a kid so for me, to get the chance to play against that club and play at that stadium again would be a dream come true again."

Good squad

Commons also believes they have proved their doubters wrong by reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.

"I remember doing an interview before the first game against Benfica and I was asked what the target was and I said that we wanted to qualify out of the group," added Commons.

"There were a few smiles and sniggers.

"We were quietly confident that we could give anyone a game on our day, we had a good squad who were trying to succeed and I feel we have proved a lot of people wrong.

"People who have not cost a great deal of money have come into the squad and turned out man of the match performances at home and away from home in Europe.

"We have turned boys into men and we have young players who are hungry for the game."

Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved