It’s natural to want Leigh Griffiths to succeed at Celtic. He was once the top dog in the Hoops striking department and rightly received adulation for it.
The 40 goals he scored during the 2015/16 season were phenomenal. He also remains the only player since John Hartson’s departure to score over 100 goals for the club.
More than that, loads of Celtic supporters care about him. We know he’s had his struggles off the field. In the midst of that, some rival supporters were very unkind and completely wrote him off. It was thrilling to see him return to the first-team squad and still have a part to play at Celtic.
However, as time has worn on, for me, it increasingly looks best for all concerned if Griffiths finds a new club to be a hero at.
Former Celtic striker Gerry Creaney gave his backing to the striker today in the media, and that is admirable. It’s certainly preferable to the shock jocks that have followed Griffiths around over the last few years.
For Creaney, there’s still a chance Griffiths can be the main man at Celtic. He told The Scottish Sun: “Fresh impetus, fresh manager, fresh ideas may help Leigh achieve what he wants.
“He’s publicly come out, in his own way, to show he’s trying his best to be fit for the new manager. If Leigh puts it in and the new manager accepts the effort, then that’s the resolution both should look for.
“I’ve no doubt Leigh has enough ability and character to go and lead Celtic’s line. He’s only 30. He can be much brighter and stronger after all the experiences he’s gone through.”
Celtic can’t rely on Leigh Griffiths anymore
Again, I’m not criticising Creaney here, nor Griffiths really. Seeing the striker put in the hard work on social media with training clips is preferable to daft Tik Toks.
However, I just can’t see him fitting into the new era at Celtic. Postecoglou appears to demand 100% commitment in every training session, supreme fitness and high energy. That’s not been the Griffiths I know at the Bhoys, even when he’s been banging in the goals.
I’d love to see him join an Aberdeen or a Hibernian this coming season and see him do what he does best. I just don’t think it’s going to happen at Celtic.
I hope the club are planning accordingly. I hope they aren’t relying on Griffiths getting back to where he once was. This season is too important.
In other news, Yokohama F Marinos capitalise on Celtic appointment.
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