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

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

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

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Sam backs 'mature' Mourinho

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce thinks Jose Mourinho is an even better manager now than when he last worked in the Premier League.

Robin van Persie ready for challenge under new Manchester United boss David Moyes

Robin van Persie is looking forward to the challenge of playing under new Manchester United manager David Moyes.

Foster: Moyes a man of steel

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster is tipping David Moyes to make a success of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved