LEIGH GRIFFITHS has been tipped to return to the Scotland setup and fire Scotland to the European Championships next summer. Michael Stewart has backed the Celtic striker to hit top form in time for Scotland’s play-off clash with Serbia in November. Lyndon Dykes and Olivier McBurnie were given the start from Steve Clarke but lacked any attacking spark.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Stewart reckons that the pace and finishing is exactly what Scotland need, who went 120 minutes without scoring versus Israel on Thursday night.
“Leigh Griffiths showed last week he can still score a goal out of absolutely nothing.
“Now Steve Clarke has to take the striker with him to Serbia to give us something to believe in next month.”
“But we don’t have to play anti-football to reach the finals — and that’s where Griffiths comes in for me.
“I’ll be honest, I was staggered he wasn’t in the squad in the first place. His goal at St Johnstone last week was enough to get him back in the frame, for me.
“Celtic have far more attacking options than Scotland do at the moment, yet he can still come in and win valuable games for them. He brings life to their team and he’d do the same for Clarke’s side.
“And at big moments, like free-kicks, he could be one to make the difference.
If it was up to me I’d have Griffiths in the squad right now because I think he could make a difference right away.”
Griffiths scored on Sunday after coming on as a late substitute in Perth. His late goal gave Neil Lennon’s side a valuable three points, ensuring that the Scottish Champions will go into next week’s Glasgow Derby knowing that a win will take Neil Lennon’s side top.
Celtic’s upturn in form after New Year coincided with Griffiths’ return to the team and change in formation to a 3-5-2. Lennon opted to pair Edouard and Griffiths in attack, which resulted in Celtic opening up a thirteen point gap at the top of the table.
