Out-of-contract in summer, could Celtic’s Kris Commons ease Derby County’s goalscoring woes?

Follow us on Google Discover

The former Derby County winger will soon be on the lookout for new employers with his Celtic deal running out.

It’s fair to say Kris Commons is far more popular on one side of the East Midlands than the other. Not many players are confident enough, or perhaps brave enough, to swap Nottingham Forest or Derby County but that is exactly what the goalscoring winger did in 2008.

And, to further rile his old Forest supporters, the BBC report that Commons arrived at the ground formerly known as Pride Park on a free after rejecting a new contract 15 miles east.

“This is a gem of a signing and a terrific boost that Kris has decided to join Derby over the numerous other clubs who were also keen to secure his signature,” then Rams boss Paul Jewell said of the winger who became the first player since Gary Charles in 1993 to swap red for white.

“He is a player who can unlock doors. He has that X-factor and is a genuine match-winner.”

So of course, seven months later, Commons would slam home the winner in a thrilling FA Cup comeback triumph over his old employers. That alone, as well as three years of usually impressive performances in attack, earned him a place in the hearts of Derby supporters and would ensure that, if he was ever to return, they would welcome him back with open arms.

And, seven years after leaving to embark on a prolific, trophy-laden spell with Celtic, that day may soon arrive. Commons is out of contract in the summer and, after being excluded by Brendan Rodgers and farmed out on loan to Hibernian, the chapter is closing on a brilliant six seasons north of the border.

However, at the age of 33, there is still life in this sprightly attacker. And with Derby struggling for goals all season, his razor sharp finishing and expert deliveries could put him to good use under Gary Rowett.

It helps, too, that Derby have struggled for consistency on their left wing all season with Ikechi Anya, Abdoul Camara and Johnny Russell all failing to make the grade. Commons, a player who has discovered the knack of goalscoring late in his career, could be the ready-made solution.