Former Celt Leigh Griffiths training with Premiership club

Leigh Griffiths is training with Livingston as he attempts to get himself in a position to earn a contract with a club. The former Scotland Internationalist had been released by Celtic in January before sealing a deal until the end of the season with The Bairns. Unfortunately, he could not find the form to be rewarded with a contract.

Livi’s manager David Martindale said, as reported by The Sun, that he was happy to help Griffiths but that there was no deal to be had in West Lothian as Griffiths returns to train with his former side.

“Leigh was just scunnered with football and I had a chat with him after we played Dundee.

“I told him if there was anything I could do to help him he could give me a shout.

18th January 2020 Firhill Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland Scottish Cup, Partick Thistle versus Celtic Leigh Griffiths of Celtic celebrates after he opens the scoring in the 12th minute making it 1-0 to Celtic – Editorial Use PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12204667 VagelisxGeorgariou

“If I can help anyone, not just Leigh, I will go out of my way to do that.

“I know he has had some trouble off the park, but everyone in football I have spoken to about Leigh said how good a guy he is.

“He’s worked so hard, he’s lost weight and body fat, and he’s been brilliant around the place.

“Leigh’s training well and is looking for a club, and we want to help him do that. I was open and honest with him and I told him there’s not a contract here.

“With Jack Hamilton going to Hartlepool on loan, I’m looking for a versatile player who can play along the front three.

“Leigh has options, but we were happy to help him use the club as he needs.

“I want him to get back to where he should be, as we all know how good a player he is, and he has to find that player again.

The 31-year-old scored 123 goals for Celtic in 261 appearances but off-field issues plagued the striker’s time in Glasgow. Although, he will depart with a place in Celtic’s all-time scoring charts as well as an excellent haul of winners and medals. Ange Postecoglou rewarded him with a one-year deal as he arrived at Celtic, stating each player would have the chance to earn their place. Off-field antics shunted Griffiths’ future back into focus and a loan to Dundee was agreed. Midway through the season, the club decided to exercise an option to end his contract prematurely before Dundee also rejected the chance to sign him permanently.

Griffiths has enjoyed the hospitality of a few friends in football but there appears to be reluctance by some to take a gamble on him due to his recent struggles on the pitch. That player that scored 40 goals in a season for Celtic or scored those two free kicks for Scotland is still there but the amount of clubs willing to roll the dice on finding that player again becomes less and less.

You have to wonder where Griffiths will end up after a whirlwind year. He was lucky to get the extension at Celtic and off-field antics meant that the club were very quickly proved wrong. There was no turning back when a section of supporters booed Griffiths’ every touch in the pre-season loss to West Ham.

About Author

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

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