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Ronny Deila happy with Kris Commons' response in Celtic win

Kris Commons (left) was much happier when he came off in Celtic's win over Dundee United than he was in Norway
Image: Kris Commons (left) was much happier when he came off in Celtic's win over Dundee United than he was in Norway

Ronny Deila paid tribute to Kris Commons after he scored twice in his first game since a highly-publicised fall-out with Celtic's management against Dundee United.

The former Scotland international struck a penalty just before the break then scored a fine fourth goal for his team in their one-sided 5-0 victory at Parkhead.

That came after Commons' furious reaction when he was substituted during Thursday's 3-1 Europa League defeat to Molde in Norway.

After he came off in the closing stages of that game, he vented his frustration at Deila, assistant manager John Collins and first-team coach John Kennedy.

This time the contrast couldn't have been greater as Commons celebrated his double by hugging Deila as he came off before the end as he was replaced once again.

Deila said: "I like hugs so that's a positive. He was good together with the team today.

"He scored one really good goal and he's brilliant at penalties so I'm happy for him and for the whole team.

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Commons fires home his side's fourth goal of the game with a fine effort
Image: Commons (right) fires home his side's fourth goal of the game with a fine effort

"I think everybody understands that there's more big games coming this week and we have to save players when we can.

"I'm very happy and pleased with the performance today. You need character to do what we did and they really showed it."

United remain five points adrift of Partick Thistle at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table after 12 matches.

Their manager Mixu Paatelainen, who took charge of just his second game and still awaits his first point, was critical of his team's performance.

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen said his team's performance was 'rubbish'
Image: Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen said his team's performance was 'rubbish'

"We were rubbish with a capital R. You can set out your tactics but if you don't do your basic fundamentals right, everything goes in the rubbish bin," said Paatelainen.

"That is what happened today. After that I am not surprised Dundee United are bottom of the league because we don't do things right. We were horrendous. It was a painful experience."

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