Neil Lennon has denied that Kris Commons has a weight problem.
The former Derby County midfielder has failed to recpature last season’s form and failed to make the bench for Sundays defeat from Rangers at Ibrox.
Supporters and pundits have suggested that Commons waistline could be part of the problem but Lennon has ruled that out and is expected to recall the midfielder for tonight’s cup tie at Ross County.
“He is not overweight,” the Celtic boss claimed. “His body fat is very low. He’s a bit like me, or Scott McDonald. He has that chunky, squat build that makes you look a little bigger than you normally appear.
“I just think he’s trying too hard. We’ve given him a break now, so he’ll come back into contention for the next few games and looks brighter in training.
“He just needs to get out there and play. It’s not a physical thing. It’s just a mental thing, where he is getting frustrated.”
Commons frustrations were evident on twitter on Sunday when he claimed that he had been fit to play against Rangers despite missing training on Saturday.
Twitter rows are a popular subject these days but Lennon, who has his own twitter account, is comfortable with modern ways.
The Celtic boss added: “I’m not averse to these guys tweeting, it’s part of the modern age but sometimes I’d like it to be kept a wee bit more in-house.
“If you don’t train the day before the game and complain of stiffness, then it puts a seed of doubt in my mind about whether you will be fit or not.
“It’s not a major issue for me. I haven’t spoken to Kris about it and he also said he enjoys working with me and all those sorts of things.”
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Yep Commons is not overweight – just got chunkier and more squat since last season. Lennon had a bit of doubt in his mind about Commons’ fitness but not a bit of doubt about the fact that that numpty Samaras has scored like three goals in almost two years of league football.
Unbelievable Neil – Commons came back from the summer looking like he had spent the vacation in a square sausage factory.
If Ross County even take this close to a draw you will be removed from your post.
Play Samaras tonight and you will have an open revolt on your hands.
Imagine – a guy like you (Neil) was actually outhought by Fat Sally McMuffin
“If Ross County take this even close to a draw you will be removed from your post.” Yeah I can see Lawwell firing off that internal message around CP. Really? Why would Lawwell or Desmond or Reid fire him for winning a game?
What if Neil plays samaras and he scores a hatrick? Will their still be a revolt?
An he wasn’t “outhought” (sic) by McCoist, McCoist merely stuck to a really basic 4-4-2 and it worked well! Lennon overthought and tripped over himself if anything.
I think that the fact Lennon tried to Sell Samaras has nailed colours to the mast he cannot cut it but had to be used due to player knocks. He linked up well, first time he played central for a while, he is not so good on the left 2nd half, who was, scape goats for the central defence. The team plays well and cheap goals are lost, simple! Sell all our centre halfs or free transfer and just buy 2 you know are good, how many do we have who are cack?
“He just needs to get out there and play.”
That’s why Lennon has decided he can’t play? Our manager talks in riddles. How about “We play half zonal, half man marking” What a load o’ crap!