KRIS COMMONS reckons Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other player who could have scored the free-kick which denied Celtic a win in their Europa League opener in Salzburg.

The strike from Jonatan Soriano levelled the score at 2-2, and the Hoops had to settle for a point, despite having led twice through Wakaso Mubarak and Scott Brown.

Commons said: "There's only one other player I think could score that, and he's Ronaldo."

But, while Commons was disappointed they didn't get all three points to lead Group D, he is honest enough to admit Celtic would have taken the point before the game against the section favourites began.

And he heaped praise on Craig Gordon for the series of saves he made to keep free-scoring Salzburg at bay for most of the night.

He said: "It feels like a point gained, but also two dropped. We had a few chances, but so did they and Craig had to pull off a few good saves.

"Craig's a top keeper and to get him on a free transfer is such good business for us. He's come in and not really made any mistakes or been at fault for anything.

"He's solid and the kind of keeper you need going into Europe because he gives you so much confidence.

"We have been lucky to have had that level of keeper for the past few years.

"The save he made in the first half from the central defender's header when he got in at the back post was tremendous.

"There were also two Salzburg players coming in at the other post to put in any rebound but he managed to push it away for a corner."

"That's the reason he went to Sunderland for £9million. He's a top, top keeper.

"It took a deflection to beat him for the first goal, and a wonder free-kick for their second.

"Sometimes you just have to hold up your hands and that free-kick was right out of the top drawer."

It was certainly a goal worthy of giving the home side a point, but Commons is not too despondent that the Hoops have returned home with just the single point to show for their efforts.

"You always go away from home trying to get something," he said.

"If you can get all three points, it's a huge bonus.

"But it's a point on the board, and now we have two home games to come where we hope to take maximum points.

"I believe we are in a good position after this opening tie."

Commons also reported that his contract negotiations are set to shift up a gear today.

He revealed: "My agent is due in this morning so, hopefully, in a week or two, I will find out one way or the other what is happening."