KRIS COMMONS insists Celtic’s Champions League play-off won’t just define their season.
It will also define the entire CAREERS of the current squad.
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Old Bhoy Commons first reached the group stages in 2012, after qualifying wins over HJK Helsinki and Helsingborgs.
It set up mouth-watering ties against Benfica, Spartak Moscow and Barcelona.
Commons, now 41, recalled: “That was the year Tony Watt scored against Barca, which is a memory I’ll never forget.
“It was an incredible experience, real bucket-list stuff just to play against that quality of team. In that game, it was only when Tony scored after 83 minutes to put us 2-0 ahead that any of us thought we had a chance!
“I believe I was one of the first to run across to him and celebrate. But there were a few lads who got a sudden burst of adrenaline at that precise moment.
“I just think the tournament is special and where you want to be as a player.
“For Celtic, the play-off could be the difference between a good season and a brilliant one. It could really define their season just getting there into the league phase.
“But for the players, those games define careers.
“It’s the absolute pinnacle, isn’t it? You can feel the buzz and excitement on the big nights. It’s a genuine thrill and something to tick off as a player.
“Because of that, there’s real pressure on the qualifiers. But they are not easy because they are so early on, and you’re not at your peak at that stage.
“We got lucky with a couple but didn’t in a few others, and dropped into the Europa League as a result. But we had some dream ties in the Champions League and they stick with you, they really do.
“That’s what the players there now have in front of them. I hope they do it again.”
The Hoops will find out next Monday who stands in their way when the play-off draw takes place in Nyon.
Celtic fans are desperately hoping they will have more new signings by then, Commons included.
He added: “I’d have thought they would have made a few more signings by now.
“There is still time for that. But in an ideal world they would have got their big transfers done already, and got the players in through the door ahead of the Champions League qualifier, which is arguably the biggest game of the season.
“I know they have had a few bids in for a couple of wingers.
“But I would have rather seen them make a little bit more headway than that in the transfer market.
“Yet that maybe just underlines how difficult it is to get deals done and over the line in the current climate.
“Where Celtic have fallen foul in previous years is when they have dragged their heels, trying to get deals across the line for a couple of million quid.
“But then they have felt the pressure from the supporters and ended up paying over the odds for certain players.
“I remember they paid around £10million for Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas one summer.
“Neither of those guys lasted long, but they were signed in a panic.
“I would never want Celtic to be rash. But they have been forced into corner in years gone by, because of a lack of activity.
“That happens when clubs go into the last 48 hours of the window with work still to do.
“They end up paying a lot of money for players who clearly aren’t going to make any difference to the squad.”
Commons knows, though, it’s vital Brendan Rodgers strengthens his forward line this summer.
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He said: “When you want to compete at the highest level you definitely need a full squad. And you need that cutting edge for the big games.
“You always need a little bit of luck at times.
“But if you want to progress in the top competitions then you need big players who are going to turn up when it’s needed.
“The ones who create goals and score them are usually the ones who cost the big bucks.
“Celtic will need to get the deals done sooner rather than later now because the clock is ticking.
“In this day and age, I don’t think any club should be going in with bids of £1.7m, then £2m and then £2.5m.
“Just ask the club what they want and if that figure is out of reach then move on to another target.
“If they do really want that player then they may have to pay slightly more than they wanted.
“It’s like they try to get everyone for under £3m.”
There is also uncertainty over boss Rodgers’ own future, but Commons doesn’t think this summer’s recruitment will impact on what happens there.
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Just as he doesn’t believe the investment at Rangers will make any difference to what happens at his old club.
Commons added: “Zero. I really don’t think Celtic will be keeping an eye on them at all.
“Rangers have their own issues to resolve and sort out, with a new manager who has been brought in.
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“They have made some signings, sure, ahead of their own Champions League qualifiers.
“But I believe Brendan will be fully focused on what’s already in his dressing room and who he can bring in to add quality.”
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