Leigh Griffiths’ Celtic days are numbered; new contract nowhere near earned

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Leigh Griffiths has been given so many opportunities by everyone connected with Celtic, but this season he’s let us down badly.

Neil Lennon was clearly extremely disappointed with him yesterday. Griffiths was hooked midway through the second half after another ineffective display up top alongside Odsonne Edouard.

After the game, Lennon spoke to BBC Scotland, and called out the striker for his display. Speaking post-match after being asked about the striker situation, the manager said: “I gave Ajeti half an hour today. You could look at Leigh and his contribution as well.

“It’s not just about the players who have come in it’s about some of the players who have been here for a while and just haven’t performed.

This isn’t the first dig Lennon has launched at Griffiths either. He ripped into Leigh in the summer for coming back to pre-season condition “out of condition” and “overweight” [Glasgow Times].

Leigh Griffiths not deserving of a new contract on current form

So far this season, Griffiths has netted six goals for the club [WhoScored]. Nowhere near enough for a player of his caliber at this stage. Add that to the fact that he hasn’t lasted 90 minutes this term once this season.

His influence continues to wane as matches go on. Against St Mirren yesterday, Griffiths’ touch was heavy, his hold-up play was poor, and he didn’t get a sniff of goal throughout. He may have scored vs Hamilton last midweek, but he hasn’t managed a consistent run of form all season.

That the manager is once again calling out his fitness is damning of him. This simply isn’t on, and the striker himself has made a mess of far too many chances now. To get to mid-season and still fail to manage 90 minutes once this term is a dreadful return.

Looking at Griffiths’ contribution over the last several years, It’s time to start asking some questions. Over the last three campaigns (including this one), he’s netted a total of 25 goals [Transfermarkt]. He should be up near 60 given he should be a 20-goal-a-season striker. Unfortunately, he’s proving to be anything but that, and on current form he won’t bag anywhere 20 this year either.

If we’re genuinely talking about whether he’s earned a new contract, the answer is no. A rebound strike against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final doesn’t do it either. With his deal up in the summer of 2022, he only has 18 months remaining. You can’t just throw a contract at him because he’s Leigh Griffiths.

He’s let us down badly this season. We needed much more from him, and it’s about time we start holding some of these players to account. Regardless of who the new manager is, Griff has had his chances to turn things around here. How many more does he want?

In other news, a Scottish club has shown Celtic up with a ruthless but necessary decision.