Leigh Griffiths wants to prove himself to the new Celtic manager but admits exit could happen

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Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is determined to try and prove himself to the incoming manager, whoever that may be.

However, the striker has also admitted it will be time to move on if he can’t find his way into the new boss’s plans immediately.

Griffiths has had a troublesome season at the club, initially falling short of the fitness standards required at Celtic and being left out of a pre-season trip to Loughborough and France.

He never really recovered from that but did score a few goals off the bench to keep himself involved in first-team affairs.

It all wasn’t enough to make Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the Euros and Griffiths admits he didn’t deserve that.

Now he’s focused on getting into shape with Celtic.

Speaking to The Go Radio Football Show on Friday night, the striker said: “I’ve not played enough football this season so I don’t think my place would have been merited. Guys like Kevin Nisbet and Lyndon Dykes have been scoring goals and deserve it.

“The focus for me over the summer is to get as fit as I can and be ready for pre-season wherever that is and hit the ground running.

“I need to wait on the new manager getting announced and see what plans he has for me. If he doesn’t see me in his plans then it’s off to pastures new.

“If that’s the case I’ve had great years at Celtic and put myself into the history books in the top 20 goalscorers.”

Squad reality could mean Leigh Griffiths has a part to play at Celtic

In an ideal world, you probably wouldn’t include Griffiths as an option moving forward. This season was arguably his last big chance at his club after many that had gone before.

However, with the squad situation being what it is the reality is that Griffiths might be held onto by the club.

Odsonne Edouard is the most likely striking exit this summer, while Patryk Klimala has already packed his bags and swanned off to New York.

That leaves just Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths as recognised first-team forwards.

It’s not really the time to be shedding players unless we really have to, or unless we can bring in quality from elsewhere.

In other news, promising comments emerge on Postecoglou to Celtic.