SHAUN MALONEY has said that Leigh Griffiths has time to rescue his Celtic career despite the public dressing-down that the 29-year-old striker received from manager Neil Lennon after Thursday’s 1-1 draw with OGC Nice in Lyon.
Lennon let rip at Griffiths for failing to maintain his fitness levels during lockdown whilst being active on social media. The comments in which the manager conveyed his dismay at Griffiths have been well covered over the last 24 hours with many questioning if the hitman has a place at Celtic following the incident.
However, the former Celtic winger has insisted when speaking to the Scottish Sun that the striker can still play a big part in the upcoming hunt for 10IAR but only if he gets himself fit and ready to play.
Patryk Klimala took his chance when subbed on for Odsonne Edouard in Thursday’s draw with Nice. The tenacious Polish striker charged down the keeper, picking up the deflected ball and scoring.
Lennon’s comments around the fitness of the striker suggests that he will give Griffiths another opportunity to get himself fit and prove himself but did suggest that time was running out after this latest fitness issue.
“But if he wants to have a future here at the club it’s down to himself.
“We’re not prepared to do a lot more for him. Everything’s there for him. He’s let himself down and he’s let us down.
“You can never say never about chances but he’s got a lot to do to get back in around it.”
Griffiths has repeatedly been on the verge of an exit during his time in Glasgow but has turned it around, earning his place in the team. Although the message from Lennon about Griffiths’ future is ominous. After the winter break, the striker made an impact joining the strike force with Odsonne Edouard and firing Celtic to 9IAR. It is quite disappointing that Griffiths failed to report for training in fit and able ability ahead of a potential historic season.
