Celtic clinch County´s Commons

Scottish giants Celtic have finalised the signing of Kris Commons from Derby County on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Commons, 27, also has the option of a further year after he signed with Celtic on Friday, for a fee of about 300,000 pounds.

Celtic pounced on the fact that Commons’ contract expired at the end of the season and will hope that the winger can repeat the form he has shown for Derby in the Championship, where he has netted 13 goals in 26 appearances.

“Kris is a goal scorer for a start,” Celtic boss Neil Lennon said.

“I’ve known him for three or four years from my time at Nottingham Forest. I always liked his style, he can play either side of midfield and he can play off the striker.”

Commons’ ability to score excites Lennon, who will hope that his new signing can help deliver Celtic’s first Scottish Premier League title since 2008/09.

“He is predominantly left-footed but he can also hit a good ball with his right foot. He’s a clever player.”

“He’s quick around the box and has scored 13 goals for Derby from a deeper position and will probably bring a bit of extra quality to the squad.”

“I know he is a goal threat from any position he plays in. I like his temperament as well, he never gets disappointed and he likes to keep going. His goal scoring is very good for someone who hasn’t played at centre-forward during his career.”

The left-sided midfielder completed his medical at Celtic on Thursday before finalising the deal, which should see him boost his total of six national team appearances for Scotland.

Commons is expected to make his Celtic debut on Saturday in the Scottish League Cup semi-final tie against Aberdeen, with Lennon confirming that his new signing will be in the squad.