Neil Lennon has challenged Leigh Griffiths to work harder in order to play more games. The 30-year-old scored after coming off the bench and also despatched his penalty in the shoot-out prompting the striker to say that he was fit enough to start games. The manager, however, told the Glasgow Times that he didn’t think Griffiths was ready to play ninety minutes but that if he were to put more graft in then his time on the pitch would increase.
Lennon says that Griffiths is only able to play a portion of games but that he backs his fitness to improve and get himself into the team.
“I don’t know if he’s fit enough to do a full 90 minutes yet. That’s where I stand on it. I think he’s fit enough to play a chunk of games.
“He’s training every day but I think he can maybe push himself a little more. Griff has tunnel vision, he can be quite belligerent and he has great belief in himself. This isn’t him and I falling out over anything. I think he can get fitter.
“Maybe he thinks he can get fitter by playing more of the games but I think in between games or if he’s not playing as much he can do a little bit more. He may disagree with that but it’s just a difference of opinion, probably.
“I was delighted with his contribution at Hampden. I’m not totally convinced that he’s fit but he’ll be fit enough to play and add something to the games as we go along.
“But I’m very pleased with him: he did what he always does – he sniffed out a good chance and his reaction to the second ball was brilliant. I’m delighted for him.”
With that said, the manager said he was happy with the player – who answered his SOS on Sunday. Lennon says that he needs to get the player fitter as he has an abundance of desire to be successful as well as having the predatory instinct to score.
“But I’m very pleased with him: he did what he always does – he sniffed out a good chance and his reaction to the second ball was brilliant. I’m delighted for him.
“He’s a huge asset. I want him fit and hungry, which he definitely is. He’s a natural born footballer and he’s a great personality to have around the place as well.
“You could see what it meant to him on Sunday. He made a contribution and won a cup. He’s not done that for a while. Hopefully it gives him a huge shot in the arm going forward.”
Albian Ajeti is yet to catch fire for the Scottish Champions and with Patryk Klimala and talisman Odsonne Edouard struggling to find his form from last season, Griffiths will be able to get himself into the team if he gets himself fit and firing in front of goal.
