Former Celtic man John Hartson and Leigh Griffiths share plenty in common: they both know how to score goals.
An unusual build for a striker, the Welshman was a massive goal threat. In the air, on the ground, from distance – the 51-cap international had it all. Perhaps a little underrated as years have passed, Big Bad John was prolific in big games over a 5 year stay at Celtic.
His affection to the club is obvious; he’s still asked daily for his take on events at Parkhead. Today was no exception. When the former Arsenal and West Ham striker was asked about Scotland and Leigh Griffiths, he didn’t hold back.
The connection he feels to Leigh Griffiths is similarly clear. Both have faced issues off the field, are and were reliable goal-scorers and neither have what can be considered as a typically athletic physique. Especially at the top level of Scottish football. Typically robust in his words, Hartson expressed disappointment at Griffiths’ usage in 20-21.
Talking to the Go Radio Football Show, Hartson said:
“Is he the type of player that, if you’re a goal down with 10/15 minutes to go, you throw him on? He’s not really [playing] but he has performed before.
“He’s had a poor year. Personally I would have played him at Celtic, I think they’ve missed his goals. He’s not at his fittest but if you want him to score goals, you’ve got to play him every game. I would have done that.”
Celtic hero John Hartson on Leigh Griffiths debate
Hartson went on:
“Leigh’s still so deadly in front of goal, but Celtic haven’t been playing him. They haven’t given him the opportunities. They’ve seen he’s not quite there in training, maybe his body fat is a little bit over.
“Maybe the sports science department are saying he can’t get around the pitch like he used to. But I wasn’t always at my fittest. I always carried a little but extra, but Martin O’Neill played me and played me.
“His confidence is shot and that’s maybe one of the reasons why Steve Clarke is not including him in the squad.
“He’s not been playing, he’s not been featuring. He’s a boy that wants to create headlines, wants to be scoring goals, wants to be the one that everybody’s talking about.”
Our view: Griffiths has to show more for Celtic
Sorry, but I have to disagree with John Hartson here.
Leigh Griffiths has been given opportunities this season. In arguably our best period this year, Griff started up front alongside Odsonne Edouard in a modified 4-4-2. The problem was, he wasn’t fit or prolific enough with his starts. He doesn’t ever seem fit enough to last 90 minutes, and that’s a huge concern.
No doubt, he’s a player with attacking ingenuity. A fit and firing Leigh Griffiths scores goals. But in the last 2 or 3 years, have we really been able to enjoy a match-ready Griffiths for any sustained period of time? Sadly, the answer is no.
Hartson played in a kinder era in terms of sports science. There’s plenty that footballers could’ve done 10 years ago, even, that just wouldn’t fly now. That’s the reality. If Leigh Griffiths isn’t able to get himself physically ready, then he can’t expect to start for Celtic or Scotland. That’s the sad fact.
So, no, playing him every game doesn’t seem the like the answer. Let’s not forget that it was a calf strain, too, that has slowed him down this season; let’s not put this all on personality or personal choices, that’s not fair.
Credit has to be given to how forthcoming Leigh Griffiths has been in terms of mental health. As a modern footballer playing for a huge club, his honesty is incredible. It will have helped a lot of people. It’s why I can never go in too harshly on the Celtic striker.
But he hasn’t done enough to prove his commitment and readiness for Celtic this season. The Scotland snub is a huge shame, especially given his prior heroics for the national team.
Ultimately, though, Steve Clarke has his mind made up for now.
READ MORE: Potentially huge news for the Celtic Academy.
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