Robert Snodgrass claims Scotland missed a trick by leaving out Celtic striker

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Robert Snodgrass reckons Scotland should’ve called up Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.

The debate over the Bhoys striker has been a fixture after Steve Clarke’s squad announcement. 6 Celtic stars will make Scotland’s first major tournament since 1998. Not Griffiths, however.

The former Wolves marksman has struggled with fitness and form over the last two seasons. With Odsonne Edouard being preferred up front, there was a brief spell of resurgence for Griffiths in both 19-20 and 20-21. Working in a front two, Griff showed sparks of form, but it wasn’t sustained.

Ultimately, it’s cost him. The man who scared the life out of England fans at Hampden [Scotland National Team] will be watching Euro 2020 from home.

But Robert Snodgrass, now of West Bromwich Albion, believes that might be a mistake. He told the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast:

“Listen, in terms of finishing… he just has that instinct to shoot from anywhere in the park.

“He has got that natural ability… these strikers they just think differently, they hit it quicker than wingers, midfielders or defenders, they just know. So to have him in there with his record…

“What’s obviously gone against Griffiths is that he’s not played consistently this year. They’ve obviously gone for Edouard up top. But you always need goal scorers in your team, and looking at it I’d like to have him in the team.”

Is Robert Snodgrass right about Scotland leaving out Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths?

No doubt, Snoddy and Griff are good pals. Capped 28 times by Scotland, Snodgrass is more than familiar with Griffiths’ game. Both also played together at Livingston, in the mid to late 00s.

So if anyone’s aware of just how good Griffiths can be, it’s a man who set up plenty of his chances. However, this is a debate that will rumble on without a satisfying conclusion. We can only deal in hypotheticals when it comes to the Celtic star and what impact he might’ve made for this Scotland side.

As Celtic supporters, we’re hardly lacking for players to get behind. James Forrest’s return from injury was timed fantastically well from a Scotland perspective. Ryan Christie can make himself a hero again, while Callum McGregor will surely be one of the starters for Steve Clarke. David Turnbull will be making his debut for the national team, and Jack Hendry’s revival faces its biggest test yet.

Of course, it’s a shame, all this. We know how good Leigh Griffiths can be.

READ MORE: We don’t ask for much, just something to get buzzing about…