Celtic loan striker Leigh Griffiths is still holding onto hopes that he could have an international future with Scotland in the long-term.
Griffiths hasn’t played for Scotland since November in a 2-1 defeat to Israel. You have to go back to 2017 for the last time he managed 90 minutes at international level too.
All of this whilst he was scoring goals for Celtic and being in and around the first team. Now, however, he’s been sent out on loan to Dundee having not played a competitive game since May. His stock has dropped dramatically, and at 31, his Celtic career looks all but over.
However, even though he admits it isn’t looking likely anytime soon, Griffiths still has international ambitions as he looks to reach the highest level again.
As quoted by the Courier, the on-loan Dundee man said: “I would like to think I still have an international future but right now it is probably at the back of my mind.
“Steve looks like he has a settled squad there, especially in the striking area so it is about me doing my job here and making sure I am playing, fit and scoring goals. Then we will see what happens in the coming months.”
Scotland role for Leigh Griffiths looks so far away
A return to the international fold for Griffiths couldn’t look anymore far away than it is at the moment.
He hasn’t been in the squad for any of the last four camps. Steve Clarke has now been in charge for 26 matches and has only utilised the Celtic-owned star on 3 occasions. That’s pretty damning when you consider our lack of quality going forward.
Of course, many will say that Griffiths can easily barge his way back into contention. That a run of goals at Dens Park will turn Clarke’s head and see him receive another big opportunity at international level.
But right now there are so many other contenders who would have a right to feel ahead of Griffiths. A few goals at Dens Park won’t change that, and considering the consistency of selection from Clarke, he isn’t mixing things up anytime soon.
We’ll see what Griffiths’ long-term future holds at club level first and foremost. He’s still eyeing up a Parkhead future too [STV]. That looks like the only way he would be able to get himself back into Scotland contention. But Ange Postecoglou doesn’t appear interested in throwing him a bone for now.
A Scotland return looks highly unlikely at this stage. So long as Clarke is in charge especially, it looks as though the former Hibs man has had his day on the international scene.
In other news, Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard bags third cap for Northern Ireland
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