Leigh Griffiths posts on Instagram after being left out of Celtic squad

By John McGinley

July 12, 2020

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has responded to reports he’s been left out of the manager’s squad for friendlies in France with an Instagram ‘story’ this evening.

Sharing an inspirational quote from 2006 film Rocky Balboa, Griffiths would also add: “So many knockdowns, I’ll rise up and keep challenging those who doubt.”

(Instagram / @leighgriffiths9)

It was reported by The Daily Record last night that Griffiths had returned to pre-season training above his optimal playing weight, with manager Neil Lennon choosing not to include him as the club travelled to England and on to France.

A Celtic spokesperson confirmed he wouldn’t be taking part in upcoming friendlies, telling the paper: “Leigh is undertaking his own fitness programme along with some other players at Lennoxtown and will team up with the squad when they return from France.”

Earlier we discussed former defender John Hughes’ comments on BBC radio, where he backed the striker to use Lennon’s action as motivation for the coming season.

From the looks of his social media post, that’s certainly the path he’s starting on and hopefully the Scotland international can get back to full fitness and stake a claim for a starting spot again.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Griffiths impressed before the curtailment of the 2019/20 season scoring eight goals in 13 matches between January and March and forming a classy partnership with Odsonne Edouard.

However, if he’s not quite reaching the fitness standards required then it opens the door for Patryk Klimala to show what he can do in Lennon’s starting team.

Can Griffiths prove he has what it takes to feature again and help us push towards ten-in-a-row?