Kris Commons wants thunderous Celtic start to achieve maximum point target

Celtic are aiming to take maximum points from their six Champions League group games, despite having the task of travelling to face Barcelona.

Kris Commons, one of the team’s standout performers so far this campaign, says his team are setting their sights high despite being billed as the weakest side in a pool which also features Spartak Moscow and first opponents Benfica.

"We are not there to make up the numbers and let teams beat us willy nilly," said Commons. "We are looking to win every single game and that probably includes Barcelona away.

"We've got to aim high and give a good account of ourselves. We will be going out to win the game but we know it will be a tough game, and against a team probably like no opposition that we have met this year.

"I like playing under pressure. I like when people expect me to do well. It drives me on knowing I have to perform. The games that you can let pass you by you tend to.

"We are in it for a reason and want to continue our good form in Europe and progress.

"I would like to see us to still be in Europe in the New Year, to get that third place and qualify for the Europa League but personally I want to get to the next stage and qualify for the knockout stages."

Celtic have home advantage in their first game against Benfica and, given the attacking prowess of their Portuguese opponents, Commons is hoping for a blazing start from his side to upset the visitors.

"I always like it at 100 miles per hour from the first whistle," he said. "That's just me.

"When the players come out to the music and everyone is at that peak, the fans are itching for you to get that early goal and that's how I like it to be.

"I like to let the other team know they are in for a game in the first 10, 15 minutes.

"I like them to know this is the maximum noise, this is how we play, this is how we are going to pressure you or this is how we are going to settle, and let them know that they are not in for an easy night and see where the game takes us.

"Certainly we can't have 100 miles per hour for 90 minutes, or we wouldn't last.

"But we are looking to stamp our authority on the game early doors, there is nothing like playing at home in the first game to try to give yourself the chance to get points.

"If it is three points then magic, but if not we will be looking to get one and try to get the ball rolling.

"But it will be tough and every single player in our team will have to play at the top of their game for 93, 94 minutes."

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