Scotland manager Steve Clarke sounds as if he’s getting sick of discussing Leigh Griffiths as he refused to delve into his international situation in particular.
Griffiths, who many believe to be the country’s most natural finisher, failed to make the Euro 2020 squad this summer. It’s the first time the nation has managed to qualify for a major tournament in 22 years. Griffiths himself has been part of several failed campaigns.
In fairness, many Celtic fans also agreed with the decision to leave him out. The former Hibernian striker has had another poor year at Celtic Park, bagging only seven goals and making just 26 appearances [Transfermarkt]. It’s even more damning on Griffiths given the problems Celtic have had up top this season.
And Clarke refused to be drawn into his situation when asked about his lack of inclusion. Instead, the Scotland boss used it to talk about the wider group of performers who have missed out.
As quoted by the Telegraph, the Scotland manager said: “Leigh’s just like every player. I thank him for his contribution but I don’t think he’s had enough minutes on the pitch this season.
“Sometimes you have to move on and make tough calls. It wasn’t just Leigh. They were all tough. Callum Paterson has done well for me, Lawrence Shankland has done well and Oli Burke scored the winner against Cyprus for me in my very first game.
“You don’t forget those moments, they’re all important. So, rather than single one out, it’s important to remember all of them because they’ve all played their part. The reason I came to the national team was to try and qualify us for a major tournament. With the help of my players and coaching staff we have managed to do that. That’s fantastic.”
Steve Clarke makes a good point as Leigh Griffiths must focus on club form
This will be a tough one for Griffiths to take, no doubt about it. When he’s on his game, he’s the best centre-forward Scotland has at its disposal. Better than Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams. More clinical than Kevin Nisbet too. He wouldn’t have been out of place had he been called up.
But what this comes down to is form. The players who have been called up have generally been performing well for their clubs this season. If we’re being honest with ourselves, Griffiths has had another year from hell.
He has hardly been able to bag a start despite the poor performances from Albian Ajeti and Patryk Klimala. Griff hasn’t been anywhere near it, and when he has been given opportunities, he’s been missing too many chances in front of goal. He simply hasn’t been as ruthless as we all know he can be.
Griff also didn’t make enough of a contribution during the qualifying campaign for Clarke to feel any sense of loyalty. Outside of his penalty in Serbia, there was nothing Leigh really added. Perhaps that also says a lot for how extended a period of time he’s not performed for Celtic in.
Not that this was Leigh’s final chance to make an international tournament. Next summer, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will take place. Scotland will have their sights firmly set on qualifying for that one and ending their 24-year wait to qualify for a World Cup.
Griffiths can easily get himself back in the discussion once again. The only way it’s going to happen? If he’s back performing for his club – hopefully he takes the hint.
In other news, Celtic Women can take a massive step towards the Champions League today.
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