Kris Commons believes the SPL winter break has come at the perfect moment, despite interrupting his comeback from injury.

The Hoops winger returned after six games out with a thigh problem when Celtic rounded off the first part of their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Motherwell on January 2.

While the Scotland internationalist had not played much football immediately beforehand, Celtic had played two games each week since mid-November and the break allows them to recharge ahead of their Champions League clash against Juventus on February 12.

Celtic, who are believed to have signed Israel and Standard Liege defender Rami Gershon on loan, are flying to Spain this week for a camp in Marbella and Commons believes the break will be a welcome lift for the likes of Scott Brown, who has been playing through a hip problem.

The 29-year-old told the Celtic View: "It will be like a mini pre-season and it will get our minds back in gear ahead of a few really big months.

"We have both domestic cups as well and we want to win them, so everyone has to be fit and ready to be called upon.

"We've struggled at times with injuries and had to patch people up, but they've all worked hard to get to this break and give their bodies a rest.

"You look at Broony doing everything he can to play games, and he managed to get through them with good performances at the same time.

"That's credit to him and how much he wants to play and win with the club – I admire that.

"He's the hard worker who does the nasty stuff not many people like to do and he does it well."