Dundee boss James McPake coy over Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths

By Euan Davidson

August 28, 2021

If Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is moving to Dundee on loan, their manager James McPake is being awfully quiet about it.

Following a 1-0 loss to Motherwell, with ex-Bhoys striker Tony Watt scoring for the Steelmen, McPake was asked about incoming transfer business. The Sun reported that Griffiths was being eyed up for a loan back to Dens Park.

The 31-year-old battered in 33 goals in 62 games for Dundee, between 2009 and 2011. He also set up a further 19, meaning he was involved directly in a ridiculous 52 strikes for the Taysiders [Transfermarkt].

A move, at this point, would make total sense for Celtic and Griffiths. Dundee, meanwhile, could definite use some firepower up front, after labouring through their opening fixtures.

Dundee already boast experienced campaigners in their ranks. Charlie Adam, Jason Cummings, Paul McGowan and Cillian Sheridan are all signed to the club.

Whether McPake is going to add to that core with Griffiths, though, remains unclear. After today’s loss, he said [BT]:

 “I’ve been linked with moves for a lot of players.

“The transfer window is getting ready to shut and I’ll be linked with a move for maybe three, four, five or six players.

“I’m not going to stand and say what we’re looking for but, yes, we’re hoping to do business.”

Celtic striker Griffiths needs a move, and Dundee could be great opportunity

As my colleague John McGinley wrote earlier, this is pretty much a no-brainer where Dundee are concerned. If they’re happy taking on some of the baggage that comes with signing Griffiths, he’ll happily take the game time he sorely needs.

Because, like him or not, it’s just not really clicked for Griff at Celtic for a considerable time. The last time he reached double-figures in the Green and White was in Brendan Rodgers’ first season at Celtic.

Yes, he’s a good striker on his day. But for Celtic, “his day” hasn’t come with any sort of frequency for a long time. Dundee, meanwhile, need goals. They’ve only scored 4 thus far, and conceded 11 [BBC].

McPake remains opaque over the speculation, but you’ve got to imagine it’ll be an interesting idea for Griffiths. Talks of moves to Aberdeen and Hibernian haven’t materialised, but Griffiths and McPake have played together, and get along well.

Read more: Who we think will start for Celtic in tomorrow’s Derby