Commons ready for Salzburg test

The 31-year-old returned to action for the first time in seven weeks following a buttock injury but was part of a performance described as "poor" by manager Ronny Deila, even though his side retained their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Both teams had chances to score before forward Anthony Stokes broke the deadlock with a header seconds before the interval and when Manchester City's loan striker John Guidetti drove in his 10th goal of the season in the 54th minute it looked like the home side might be able to use the rest of the match to fine-tune themselves for the Europa League clash against the Austrian outfit.

However, Dees striker David Clarkson struck four minutes later to set a club record of scoring a goal in each of his first seven games and ensure an uncomfortable finish to the match for Celtic.

The Parkhead men will qualify for the knock-out stages of the Europa League with a win over the Group D leaders and Commons believes they will be up for the task.

"In patches we were okay and I think Dundee were good for their goal, maybe even more," he told Celtic TV.

"We got a little bit sloppy in the last 15 minutes or so and we weren't quite at the races towards the end, but I'm sure we'll be more than ready for Salzburg.

"There's no doubt they are a good side. We have another week of training ahead of us and we'll need to work hard to get the better of them."

Commons was replaced by Beram Kayal near the hour mark but was happy to "get some minutes on the park."

He said: "I'm feeling good and it's all about getting that match sharpness back now."

Defender Jason Denayer, however, sustained a leg injury which kept him inside at the interval and which required a precautionary X-ray although Deila is hoping he will be fit for Salzburg.

The ineligible Guidetti drops out again while skipper Scott Brown will return after suspension.

Salzburg are two points ahead of Celtic after four group fixtures and despite his manager's disgruntlement about the display against Dundee, Stokes pointed to an eight-game unbeaten run and claimed the Scottish champion will go into the match on a "positive note."

The Republic of Ireland striker said: "We have another win under our belt, we are top of the league now and we will be full of confidence.

"It is a home game and we know what is on the line. If we win the game we obviously qualify and that is the incentive.

"We have been gradually improving but there are going to be times when you have to dig in.

"Maybe some of the performances haven't been as pretty as we want but it is a balancing act.

"We need to get results and that is the main thing. Playing good football comes second."

Dundee manager Paul Hartley was disappointed not to take at another point at least from Celtic following the 1-1 draw at Dens Park earlier in the season.

The former Celtic midfielder said: "Celtic will end up probably winning the league but over the two games we have played them we have shown that we are not a bad team to watch.

"We have a really talented bunch of players but the hurtful thing is we didn't take any points."