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With 227 games for the club, Kris Commons was a Celtic regular in the time that he was at the club.

The former Scotland international was a consistent performer for the Hoops too, netting an impressive 89 goals and providing a further 72 assists – a key reason behind the side’s domestic dominance during the early to mid 2010s.

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But for all his quality on the ball, Commons certainly had his fair share of troubles off the pitch and problems with attitude. There was that infamous night in Norway against Molde, when the now 36-year-old threw his toys out of the pram following his substitution – he would then admit that it was “idiotic behaviour”.

And after a thread posted on Twitter by Celtic1967.com, fans of the Hoops flooded the replies section with their thoughts on the midfielder.

One Celtic fan meanwhile accepted that whilst he was a “great player”, his disagreement with Ronny Deila should have seen his time at the club come to an end.

It’s safe to say Celtic fans still haven’t forgotten about Commons.

He certainly had his moments of inspiration, but as some supporters alluded to, it’s difficult to ignore some of the more negative aspects that also came with him too.

After his incredible role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph, Divock Origi’s place in the Reds’ history will forever be secured.

The Belgium international has come up with some big goals in some big games for the club, but whether he’s good enough to play second-fiddle to Roberto Firmino and actually start games on a regular basis is seriously up for debate.

Against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Jurgen Klopp handed the striker the chance to feature from the off, and it was an audition that he failed miserably.

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The 25-year-old lasted just over an hour before being hooked for Firmino, and in that time did very little to convince anyone of a Reds persuasion that he should be someone who they must keep at all costs this summer.

As per Sofascore, despite playing through the middle, he registered no shots on goal whatsoever, and no dribbles either – so much for a supposed central striker.

Origi could barely get himself involved in the game, touching the ball just 26 times in the time that he was on the pitch, and making only 13 successful passes.

The Belgian couldn’t hold the ball up, or even make the right runs, and it was no surprise that some Liverpool fans were quick to voice their frustrations and anger towards him after the game – a few even called for him to be sold this summer.

For a team that won the Champions League last season, and has just been crowned Premier League champions this year, to have Origi be their second-choice striker just doesn’t fill anyone with confidence.

If Firmino were to get injured next season, then would Klopp seriously be confident about a striker who has scored just five times in 39 total appearances this season?

The Liverpool boss needs to be ruthless with him this summer, and whilst he has given Liverpool fans some memorable moments, it’s perhaps the perfect time for both parties to part ways.

Steve Bruce remains keen on Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen, and according to the Northern Echo he will continue to recommend his signing to the Newcastle board.

Bowen was a name mentioned over the summer and he was frequently linked with a move to the north-east, though a deal never looked like being completed.

Instead, the Magpies went for Allan Saint-Maximin, who has since been a success, but with Bowen continuing to impress in the Championship it is understandable that Bruce hasn’t yet given up hope of signing him.

The 22-year-old started out at Hull and has served them well, especially in recent years with 22 league goals scored last term, and since his contract could last until 2021 they are not yet in a position where they need to consider a sale.

That explains the asking price of £20m, which is quite a significant fee for a player who has never played above the Championship, though given Bruce’s desire to bring him in it is possible that Mike Ashley could back him once more.

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So, would he be a good addition for Newcastle? Here’s what our Football FanCast writers think.

Vijievan Jeevathayalan

“Having been monitored by the club earlier in the summer, a Newcastle swoop for Jarrod Bowen makes perfect sense. The Hull City winger has been in prolific form for the Tigers this season, notching ten goals in just 17 games across all competitions.

“Despite the capture of Allan Saint-Maximin, Steve Bruce’s side could really do with a goal-scoring winger, particularly in light of the troubles Miguel Almiron has faced since his arrival at the club. The Paraguay international has gone 22 games without finding the back of the net for the club, and Bowen could end Almiron’s misery.

“The 22-year-old has played 13 times in the right-wing role for Hull this year, the exact position Almiron currently occupies without success at St James’ Park. A January move could bring Newcastle an added goal threat, and someone to replace their struggling Paraguayan. It really would be a case of killing two birds with one stone.”

Billy Meyers

“I have nothing against Newcastle signing Jarrod Bowen, and I feel that it would be a good move for both the Magpies and for the attacker himself. 

“However, given the fact that the Hull forward plays in the same role as Miguel Almiron, I feel that Steve Bruce should instead try his best to squeeze some decent form out of the misfiring £20m Paraguay international before he spends another sum of around £20m on someone else. 

“Bowen is a prolific scorer at Championship level but he is unproven in the Premier League – Newcastle simply can’t afford to be lumbered with two expensive flops, and it wouldn’t be a good scenario to be in as Mike Ashley may not be encouraged to spend any more after seeing two costly signings struggle. 

“There are definitely more pressing areas that need investment at St James’ Park, such as in the full-back areas, so for now I think Newcastle should steer clear of a move for Bowen.” 

Lewis Blain

“Jarrod Bowen is going to be an outstanding piece of business for someone in the Premier League, so Newcastle need to ensure it’s them. At first glance, another winger is certainly not needed with Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron holding down either spot alongside Joelinton, but any opportunity to add such a goal threat should be capitalised on. Per Transfermarkt, Bowen has netted ten goals from 17 appearances, primarily from the right-wing. A position where Almiron is yet to score or even assist from.

“Spurs came calling in January for him so if he’s able to attract the Champions League finalists, then he’s going to be well-sought after in the near future. The St James’ Park faithful will love him too. He’s hard-working, young and English. They’d get right behind him to succeed. No player in the Magpies squad records more shots per game than he does with an average of 3.5 while his ability to come back and defend only opens up the playbook for Bruce with the 22-year-old averaging 1.4 tackles per game.

“The best teams in the division do not stop improving and just because they already have options in the role doesn’t mean they should avoid a potential upgrade. They could well rue the decision not to act here.”

Kealan Hughes

“This is the type of signing Newcastle should be making and the only thing that raises any doubt is the price tag, as like other recent signings he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.

“He has undoubted quality though, and is still young. Bruce could be the ideal manager to integrate him into life in the top division but you feel he’d have to play regularly to adjust properly, and that could not only disrupt players like Almiron but also the squad as a whole.

“While Almiron is yet to display the necessary quality in the final third, he does work tirelessly for the team and his absence could be noticeable, particuarly if Bowen takes a while to get up and running.

“Despite that, it is a deal Newcastle should look to get done, as if he does well it could benefit the club on the pitch, and possibly off it too as his value would increase dramatically due to him being young and English.”

On Tuesday, James Morrison announced that he would be retiring from professional football with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old had been available on a free transfer after leaving West Bromwich Albion at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Morrison has decided against continuing his career with another club, though, and has officially hung up his boots after 15 years in the professional game.

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The midfielder spent nine years with Middlesbrough before joining West Brom, where he made 341 appearances over the course of 12 seasons.

Morrison is returning to the Baggies in a coaching capacity, however, having accepted a position with the club’s academy system.

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As expected, many WBA fans took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to offer their views on the announcement, and a number have lavished praise on the versatile midfielder, who also made 46 appearances for Scotland during his playing career.

A selection of the Twitter reaction is available to view below:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers.

Everton’s Tom Davies must take his chance at Everton now that Andre Gomes is out injured, says Michael Ball.

What did he say?

Andre Gomes is going to face many months out of action after his horrific injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur. The nasty ankle fracture forced the 26-year-old to undergo surgery and as he faces a long rehabilitation process fellow midfielders must step up.

Ball believes, despite the sad circumstances, that Davies must be the man to take Gomes’ place and faces a potentially career-defining time at Goodison Park.

The former Everton man told the Liverpool Echo: “It’s come under very sad circumstances but Tom has to grab his chance now.

“Since he’s come into the team, he’s shown the quality he’s got and hasn’t let anyone down,” Ball added.

“I’m made up for Tom and he just needs a good little run now of six or seven games where he’s keeping those 8/9 out of 10 performances going so he can make the spot his own and there could even be opportunities for him in the England set-up.

“Obviously Tom has got to focus on Everton first and foremost but if he can put consistent performances in at his best level, it could really set up his career.”

Career-defining period

Davies has been in the Everton squad for a while now, having burst onto the scene in 2016-17 where he made 24 Premier League appearances. This period saw the academy graduate bag two goals and provide three assists for the Toffees.

Now, at 22 years old, the Englishman has a fantastic opportunity to prove himself as the future of Everton and justify the hype that surrounded his breakthrough.

Marco Silva has been reluctant to play Davies this season, handing him just 283 minutes of league action. However, if the Portuguese international wants to build for the future, he must invest in Davies until Gomes returns.

It will, of course, be months until the former Barcelona man returns.

But now, it is time for Davies to prove to Silva that he is capable of thriving in the heart of Everton’s midfield.

Some Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to reveal that they’d rather have Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi than West Ham United’s Declan Rice.

The Mirror reports that the Red Devils are monitoring the England international ahead of a potential £70m move for the Hammers academy graduate, who started England’s 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic on Friday evening.

Rice has started all eight of West Ham’s Premier League games this season, and at just 20 years of age, looks to be a real prospect.

However, a number of United fans on Twitter have named who they would rather sign ahead of the West Ham No.41 – Leicester star Ndidi.

The 22-year-old has started all but one of the Foxes’ league games this term, scoring two goals.

Ndidi cost Leicester a reported £15m back in 2017, and has emerged as a key cog in their midfield – his form has helped Brendan Rodgers’ men to 4th in the table as things stand.

Let’s see what the United fans on Twitter have been saying…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Roberto Firmino quietly dropped another master-class on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, including accomplishing something he has never done before at Liverpool.

The Reds suffered quite the scare at the hands of Red Bull Salzburg, surrendering a three-goal lead in the second half. Of course, Mohamed Salah popped up with the goods like he always does, but he couldn’t have done it without Firmino.

Liverpool’s mercurial ‘false nine’ has been lauded by fans and pundits alike this season, and it seems like he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

For all the talk of the crazy Salzburg comeback, Virgil van Dijk finally looking human and Salah’s brace though, the Brazil international’s two-assist display has somehow flown under the radar.

In typical Firmino fashion, the 28 year-old set up the two most important goals of the game with inch-perfect passes. First, he linked up with Sadio Mane to open the scoring, and then he helped decide the match with a lovely dinked ball for Salah’s winner.

Of course, Firmino is more than just goals and assists, and he fired in two shots of his own, provided an extra key pass that was not converted, and also danced his way past a defender on one occasion, per Sofascore.

The spearhead of Liverpool’s pressing machine did his part defensively too, winning four duels, completing one tackle and making one clearance.

Perhaps most surprising of all, this was the first time Firmino has assisted both Mane and Salah in a single match, per Andrew Beasley.

Considering how often the Brazilian is the glue that holds the front three together – he has assisted both wingers three times each already this season – it seems scarcely believable that he hadn’t managed this feat before.

That said, this has us wondering if there is anything else the enigmatic forward can break his duck on this season. A scorpion kick? A one-two with himself? Rounding the goalkeeper while doing kick-ups? We wouldn’t put it past him…

Rangers claimed top spot in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon as they rounded off the latest set of matches before the international break with a 5-0 win over Hamilton Academical.

The Gers went into the game knowing that a win would see them top of the league whilst they also needed to bounce back from a European night to forget in Switzerland where they lost to Young Boys.

They responded in fine style at Ibrox, then, with a superb 5-0 win and Steven Gerrard and his players will be very pleased with what they managed to do during the game.

And, indeed, fans will be happy to see Jamie Murphy returning to the fold with him getting around 25 minutes of action after coming on as a sub with the game effectively wrapped up.

It’s been a long time since fans have seen him playing for their club thanks to injury, and the reaction on Twitter was suitably positive.

Here’s the best of what Rangers fans had to say about his return…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

This is it Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A home game against a side languishing in 17th in League One, and in a competition often derided as the Mickey Mouse Cup. If ever there was a perfect opportunity for the Norwegian to fully invest in his promises of a youth revival, then Wednesday night certainly represents it.

The third-round of the Carabao Cup should see Manchester United field a whole host of youngsters, and the game arguably comes at a great time. The Red Devils’ limp and disappointing defeat to West Ham on Saturday caused big questions to be asked. Just what does the future hold for the side? Well, on Wednesday night, Solskjaer has a great chance to give the Old Trafford faithful a more positive glimpse of what the next few years could entail.

As ever with the cup competitions, Sergio Romero is likely to take over goalkeeping duties from David de Gea. In front of him, three out of the back four could become integral parts of United’s long-term future.

Axel Tuanzebe impressed enormously whilst on loan at Aston Villa last season, averaging 3.2 tackles and 3.8 clearances per game, and should get the nod against Rochdale. And, despite the controversy surrounding his conversation with Ed Woodward in the stands on Saturday afternoon, Phil Jones could be given a chance at centre-back.

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At right-back, Diogo Dalot should replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whilst the opposite flank could see a rare opportunity for Brandon Williams. Marcos Rojo has twice come close to leaving the Red Devils in recent summers, and it remains baffling the Argentine started against FC Astana in the Europa League last Thursday. Surely Solskjaer would be better off giving a chance to a 19-year-old academy product instead?

In midfield, the club have confirmed Paul Pogba is back from injury, and ahead of the Premier League clash against Arsenal next Monday, he may be given some minutes to work up his fitness in mid-week.

Further forward, the exciting trio of Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes should all be given the chance to shine once more; they were arguably the highlights of a rather uninspiring 1-0 win over Astana.

And, whilst it may not appease some United fans, Jesse Lingard looks set to play – if he needed a game to get his form back, then there is arguably none better than on Wednesday.

Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the performance of Takumi Minamino, who grabbed a goal and an assist at Anfield on Wednesday.

And breathe Liverpool fans! The Reds surrendered a 3-0 lead against Red Bull Salzburg, but Mohamed Salah did what he does best and popped up with a crucial goal to win the game 4-3.

That hasn’t stopped the Anfield faithful from gushing over one of their opponents though, and surprisingly it isn’t wonderkid Erling Haaland.

The teenage striker started the match on the bench, and although he scored within minutes of coming on, it is the man who set him up that Reds fans are stunned by.

Minamino scored a wonderfully controlled volley to make the score 3-2, and then skipped in behind the Liverpool defence to set up Haaland for a tap-in.

Jurgen Klopp of course has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal, but fans are heaping praise on the Japan international, with some even suggesting they sign him in the future.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…