STEVE CLARKE has said that he expects Leigh Griffiths to feature from the bench following the 30-year-old’s Scotland recall. The former Killie boss has said that Griffiths will play a crucial role for the National Team due to the threat he has in the opponent box, meaning Clarke will turn to him if Scotland need a goal.
Scotland face Serbia in a Euro 2020 2021 play-off in Belgrade this month and Clarke decided to call the striker up following a return to the Celtic team and being back amongst the goals for Neil Lennon’s side. A late winner versus St Johnstone and a brilliant curled effort against Aberdeen proved that Griffiths still has the ability to find the net.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Clarke said that Griffiths wasn’t ready to start but he would be called upon if the Scots were chasing a goal. With a place in the European Championships at stake, this role as super-sub could prove to be crucial.
“What Leigh Griffiths gives us is quality inside the 18-yard box. He’s not fully match fit because he’s starting almost every game for Celtic on the bench.
“But then he’s also shown he can come on and be a threat in the opposition box.
“His finish against St Johnstone was a terrific header and his goal at Aberdeen was top quality.
“So if you need someone to come off the bench, as well as Oli McBurnie, Lawrence Shankland or Ryan Fraser, I also have an option with Griffiths to come on and try to help us score.
“The more options I have the better.”
The Scotland manager will be hoping that the predatory instincts of Griffiths in attack will be able to compliment the size and strength of Lyndon Dykes, giving Scotland a two man attack to hurt teams. Griffiths’ return to form has been welcome for Celtic and he has now to compete with Albian Ajeti, Patryk Klimala and Odsonne Edouard for minutes under Neil Lennon so unlike McGregor and Christie, game time on International duty can’t be a bad thing.
