Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson has said that Leigh Griffiths should relish the arrival of Patryck Klimala.
The Polish U21 striker joined Celtic on a long term contract from Jagiellonia Bialystok to bolster Celtic’s striking options and Hartson told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound that Griffiths should see the arrival as a challenge.
“If you’re Leigh Griffiths, you see it as a challenge.
“You want to stay and prove you can still do it at this level. He’s been pivotal to Celtic’s success in recent years.”
Griffiths has struggled to maintain fitness amid personal issues that saw him take a break from football last year and has scored just three goals this season – a far-cry from the 40 goals across all competitions in the 2015/16 season.
“Leigh is a goalscorer.
“It will be interesting to see whether there are whispers that he’s really not happy, wants to move, wants more game time, or can Neil persuade him and say there are still opportunities and he still has a major part to play.
“When you’ve got too many players fighting for a certain position, you are going to get one or two unhappy. That’s when the manager is very important by still keeping them hungry and when they do get that chance, they make sure they are ready.”
Griffiths responded to the signing of Klimala by tweeting a picture of him with his fingers in his ears – a message of defiance to those that say he is finished maybe, but it is time that Griffiths started doing his talking on the park.
Hartson continued stating that he would like Celtic to sign a couple more faces in the push for 9IAR.
“Klimala is unknown. He looks quick but I’d be lying if I said he’s fantastic,” Hartson said. “It’s a great opportunity for him but I still feel they need a couple more.
“They’re certainly not walking this league. Most fans have had a wake-up call, they’re wanting Celtic to come back from Dubai refreshed, hungry, and realise what’s at stake may never happen in these players’ careers again.”
Celtic face Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Saturday before a gruelling fixture list which will determine if Celtic finish the season as Champions or not.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Celtic’s and Victoria’s Playboy Pole ‘Jacki’ Dziekanoswki famously loved both Glasgow clubs…see HERE.
Bobby Brown – A Gentlemanly Ranger…see HERE.
The Bhoys are Back in Town, Saturday, 5.30pm, Firhill – Niall J can’t wait…see HERE.
Transfer Window – Niall J writes up Celtic’s Half Time Report Card…see HERE.
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