Leigh Griffiths has disclosed that Scott Bain’s kicking ability has helped him as a Celtic striker, The Celtic View reports.
Most goalkeepers are recognised for what they do with their hands. However, Griffiths feels that Bain deserves plaudits for his booming kicks.
“Not only is he good at playing out from the back, he can absolutely knock it for six. As a striker you want to play on the last line of the defence and trying to get in behind, especially a striker like me” Griffiths said, as quoted by the Celtic View (Volume 56, Issue 16, Page. 14).
“It’s great that Bainy’s got that”
“If the ball’s over the top, I like playing on the shoulder of the last defender, and if the ball is getting played long to the likes of Odsonne and Albian, they can hold it up well, so it’s great that Bainy’s got that in his locker” Griffiths concluded.
Bain’s kicking could perhaps be utilised more as an offensive weapon when Griffiths is playing for the Hoops. Griffiths seems to be suggesting though that it will only work when playing in a strike partnership. There is no point playing long balls to Griffiths. He works better as a natural forward, not as a link-up man.
Something to look out for in next game
Still, it is something for Neil Lennon to think about when he picks his team selection for Easter Road next Saturday. If it is Griffiths and Ajeti or Edouard up-front, get those balls battered down the pitch.
Bain is the number one goalkeeper at the moment. It is good to see that he is being supported by one of his teammates. You would always expect that to happen, but Bain might well need encouragement. Especially when you consider his recent comments reported by 67HH where he had to convince himself that he belonged in the Celtic team.
Still, now he seems to be in the team until further notice. It will be interesting to see if he uses the long ball more from now on.
In other news, Ross Doohan played 90 minutes for Scotland’s under 21s vs Croatia.
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