KRIS COMMONS' contract saga is almost at an end after the Celtic star revealed talks with the club have progressed.

Negotiations between the club and the former Scotland international have been ongoing for months with the midfielder having already been linked with a move to Neil Lennon's Bolton.

It had been thought the length of the deal rather than the money involved was the hold-up for Commons, with the 31-year-old looking for a longer contract from the Parkhead board.

He demonstrated his value to the Scottish champions yesterday by banging in a 25-yard strike to help sink Old Firm rivals Rangers to put Celtic into the League Cup final next month.

And the player has hinted a deal could be signed this week to finally clear up his future at Parkhead.

He said: "I've had conversations with the manager that I'm not leaving and that's been pleasing for me, if that's the case. But I'm hoping sooner rather than later that my contract will be sorted.

"I've had conformation that we're getting there, so hopefully that will be sorted. They've not put anything on the table, but the word is that it is near."

Commons also spoke about the appeal of playing in an Old Firm when considering staying at Celtic, and said: "We've not played in one of these games for two-and-a-half, nearly three years, so people could have come in over two years ago and have never experienced it.

"What Celtic does bring you is fanatical fans, European football and a joy to play for the club. I think it just ticks so many boxes for people coming through the door.

"These sort of games are a luxury to play in. Win, lose or draw, being a part of it is brilliant. It's like the Super Bowl. The press, the fans, the build-up, it's just brilliant. You want to be involved in it, no question."

Reflecting on the game, Commons added: "I think it was a fair result in the end, but I'd say it's a comfortably victory for us. But we have bigger fish to fry now in the final."