Celtic fans are split over the future of striker Leigh Griffiths.
Earlier this morning, my colleague David Walton published an opinion piece about the Celtic striker. In it, he claimed that Griffiths was facing a critical pre-season, after a disappointing 20-21 campaign. The ex-Hibs man has struggled for fitness in a season which has been a massive disappointment all-round.
Earlier this month, we asked whether Griffiths deserved a contract extension. While he’s a likeable figure who has contributed plenty for the club, the 30-year-old has only managed 5 league goals this season [Transfermarkt]. Over the course of 20-21, he’s been used as an impact sub, a starter alongside Edouard, or has missed games through lack of match sharpness.
Subscribe to 67 Hail Hail TV now
Griffiths’ contract runs out in 2022, and there’s a real chance that Celtic may cut their losses on the Scotland hero this summer. That is, unless, the former Wolves and Dundee man can prove himself with a late-season flurry. He’ll be hoping for a call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, with Euro 2020 (delayed by Covid) due to take place in the summer.
It’s an interesting situation for the diminutive striker, who has scored 122 goals for Celtic since joining the in 13-14 campaign.
Leigh Griffiths celebrating / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic supporters contribute to Leigh Griffiths conversation
In response to our article, posted earlier today, Celtic supporters got in touch to have their say. The general consensus seems to be that the striker is past his best.
Want to join the discussion?
Join the 67 Hail Hail Forum now and have your say
Join the forum now >>That said, Griffiths has proven supporters wrong before. We all know he has the talent to do so again.
Some fans said:
His form of recent seasons suggest a new deal would be a waste of our resources.
— jDB (@jDB34772262) March 5, 2021
Out the door imo
6 months to get fit
Too many chances— ds#💙#NHS (@davidscarff81) March 5, 2021
Time for him to move on now
— celtic jaime 🍀 (official account) (@jaimelawson08) March 5, 2021
His wages need go to a first team regular now. Fitness and Injury issues last 2 years. Unless a deal per games played can ve struck, might also be the motivator for him.
— Stephen Haughian (@StephenHaughian) March 5, 2021
Can’t be trusted, move him on to @hibsofficial
— justa bhoy (@justabhoy1) March 5, 2021
However, on Celtic Twitter more broadly, there’s substantial support for ‘Sparky’:
Leigh Griffiths mobbed by Celtic fans after scoring at Tannadice. Don’t care what anyone says he should still be first pick striker if Edouard isn’t playing. He’s had issues but far more effective than Ajeti or Klimala. Stop cutting nose off to spite ourselves and pick best team. pic.twitter.com/wcIKLGLNtC
— St.Anthony (@Stephen4_2) March 2, 2021
Agree completely, he has to be back in the frame next season
— Robbie Paul (@Bawheidbob) March 2, 2021
Agree. If Griffiths isnt “fit” what on earth does that say about Ajeti and Klimala??
— MrEssDee (@Stephen70Do) March 3, 2021
Leigh Griffiths under a new manager
— Seán Markus Clifford (@seanmarkus_67) March 3, 2021
Open this up to a wider audience, should leigh griffiths leave Celtic, what kinda club would he get, do you think? https://t.co/IpmnP2gwlL
— MB (@melbourne88) March 2, 2021