Collins picks out 10 out of 10 midfielder

John Collins has picked out Kris Commons for praise after Celtic’s 2-2 draw away to Ajax.

The attacking midfielder sat frustrated on the bench through Saturday’s defeat at Aberdeen but was involved in both goals as Celtic opened Group A with a point away to the Dutch club.

With a weighted pass for Nir Bitton’s opener and the driven cross for Mikael Lustig to head home the impact of the former Derby County man was obvious to all.

“Kris came into the team and was terrific,” Collins stated. “He did his defensive duties very well and again had the magic in and around the opponents’ box.

“He came up with the goods, an excellent pass for the first goal and deliveries at set-pieces was 10 out of 10. He was a big performer for us. Everyone knows he missed the pre-season with his injury.

“So you can’t play if you are not fit and he wasn’t fit at the start of the season but you can see now he is getting his sharpness and his touch is back. That’s good news for us.

“In and around the opponent’s box there’s nobody more dangerous. He can shoot with both feet, he can play the killer passes. We know what Kris can do when he is fit.”

With Stuart Armstrong, Charlie Mulgrew and Scott Allan out injured Celtic are down a few options for an important three matches in seven days programme.

After hosting Dundee on Sunday Ronny Deila’s side are at home to Raith Rovers on Wednesday followed by Hearts on Saturday before they resume their Europa League campaign at home to Fenerbahce.