Celtic have tonight announced that Leigh Griffiths will return to Lennoxtown to begin fitness work, and supporters are loving it.
The Scotland international has been out dealing with personal issues for the past three months. There had been no previous hints of a return from the club, and the announcement comes fairly out of the blue.
Neil Lennon stated that Griffiths will be given all of the time he needs. Griffiths, meanwhile, thanked the Celtic support and said he’s ready to do all he can to get back into the squad.
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Supporters have been giving their reaction to the news on Twitter. Here’s a look at some of the support for the returning Hoops forward.
Buzzing with this! Welcome back wee man! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Georgina (@Georgina87x) March 27, 2019
Welcome back @Leighgriff09 heres to many goals buddy onwards and upwards hail hail
— Michael mackinnon (@Hutchie26) March 27, 2019
Fantastic news will be great to see u back Leigh 🍀💚
— Kim McCormick (@Kimmccormick34) March 27, 2019
90+1 “coming on the pitch number 9 Leigh Griffiths”
90+3 “goal celtic and the scorer number 9 Leigh Griffiths” https://t.co/HTSAgk1XrR
— Quinny🇮🇪 (@MarcQuinn_67) March 27, 2019
If we have learned anything over the past few months it's that Rangers fans REALLY do not want to see Leigh Griffiths playing for Celtic.
Welcome back wee man.
— The Lenny Era (@TheNum7) March 27, 2019
Brilliant news that Leigh Griffiths will be back in training at Celtic this week. Underrated player & has been a big miss. https://t.co/2j4jBp0pFt
— Daniel White (@danwhitepr) March 27, 2019
Brilliant news! Griff’s had his problems but it’s great to hear he’s on his way back. Whether it’s this season or next, it’ll be brilliant to have him back in a Celtic shirt. Absolutely lethal when he’s sharp and on form 🍀 https://t.co/xqTQdMfWaz
— Marc McArdle (@marcmcardle1) March 27, 2019
Absolutely wonderful news 💚.
Welcome home, Griff, we’ve missed you.
— Labour Celtic Fans (@Labour_Celts) March 27, 2019
Fantastic news 🍀 can't wait to see Griff back in action 🙌 I think hes the spark we are missing at times 🍀 @Leighgriff09 #superleigh #LG9 #CelticFC https://t.co/Fh1YrAnOfh
— Shellbell 🍀 x (@shelly221010) March 27, 2019
Overwhelming joy, but no rushed return
Celtic were clear in their announcement regarding Griffiths that there will be no rushed return. Whether that means he’ll feature between now and the end of the season remains to be seen.
Considering Griffiths hasn’t been training with the club for three months, he won’t be anywhere near match-sharp. But nobody knows how long it’s going to take for the over 100-goal striker to get back in the Celtic squad.
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Griffiths will be starting fitness work at Lennoxtown (Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
At the moment, however, that doesn’t matter. It’s simply a huge bonus for Celtic that he’s back training and ready to work his way back in once again. Celtic have missed having him as an option, but giving him as much time as necessary is essential.
It’s a timely boost for the club ahead of Sunday. Whilst Griffiths almost definitely won’t be in the squad, it lifts the mood around Parkhead. It also says a lot about the striker that he’s went away to recover and came back with a positive mind-set.
Now we play the waiting game. At the very least, hopefully the club continues to update supporters on social media regarding Griffiths’ progress. But for now, it’s a great bit of news for the club.