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Kris Commons says Celtic are in need of a top quality striker after the Scottish champions crashed out of Europe following a record 6-1 defeat by Barcelona on Wednesday. |
The Hoops have been dominant domestically—scoring 12 in their past two matches—as they have made an unbeaten start to the defence of their title.
However, the Parkhead club’s form in Europe has been less impressive with Neil Lennon’s side finishing bottom of Group H with just three points—their lowest ever tally in the Champions League.
Celtic are runaway leaders in the Scottish Premiership and have found the net 35 times in 14 matches but Georgios Samaras’ consolation goal in the Nou Camp was just their third in six Champions League matches.
Commons, who is Celtic’s top scorer with 12, says the Hoops are paying the price for not replacing striker Gary Hooper.
Hooper scored 31 times last season as Celtic claimed a double before his transfer to Norwich while summer signings Amido Balde and Teemu Pukki have failed to make much of an impression.
And as Celtic prepare to take on Hibernian at Parkhead on Saturday Commons says his side need to begin rebuilding for next season by bringing in a top quality striker to take the pressure off the midfielders.
“I think when you are relying on people, midfield quality to get you goals then once they dry up you are looking for a striker,” Commons said. “In a Celtic team you are looking for a striker to get you 20-30 goals. At the minute, we haven’t quite got that.
“I know people are working hard on and off the field to try and get us the goals but replacing someone like Gary Hooper is going to cost you between £6 million and £10 million and at the minute we are not willing to spend that.
“We’ve been playing well in the league but not shown it in the Champions League. This is cut throat level football. We need to rebuild for next year because the target is to qualify for this competition again.”
Hibernian’s new manager, Terry Butcher, says he will be taking a cautious approach to the match against Celtic despite their heavy defeat to Barca.
Butcher has won, drawn and lost on his previous three visits to Celtic Park with previous club Inverness. However, he will not be lulled into a false sense of security. “Celtic have scored 12 goals on their opponents’ grounds so we are going into the lion’s den,” Butcher said.
Fixtures
Today
Aberdeen v St Mirren
Celtic v Hibernian
Hearts v Inverness CT
Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd
Partick Thistle v St Johnstone
Ross County v Motherwell
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