Former Celtic midfielder and Scottish international Kris Commons recently issued an update on Celtic’s forgotten striker Leigh Griffiths. Commons wrote in the print edition of the Scottish Daily Mail [04/03/2019] and had a positive update regarding Griffiths’ situation.
He had written, ”It’s my understanding that Griffiths is close to making his return following some off-field personal difficulties. He [Lennon] will put an arm around him and give him all the time he needs. From what I’m hearing, Lennon has spoken more to Griffiths over the past week that Brendan Rodgers did during the past two months.”
To go with those, Lennon himself indicated that he has been in touch with the 28-year-old striker. The interim manager said (Daily Record), ”The sooner we get Leigh back the better. Obviously, we are keeping tabs on that as well and want to get him back on the training ground as soon as possible. Is he close? Not at the minute, no.”
Griffiths last appearance came in December before he decided to take some time off football to take care of his personal matters and mental health. There were no updates on the striker in the last few months, and Celtic fans must have been worried regarding the forward’s situation.
It seems like this season is going to be too early for a return and the 28-year-old should look to prepare a comeback for the upcoming season. Moreover, Celtic have strike options in the form of Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah who joined on loan. Therefore there shouldn’t be in any hurry in bringing him back on the football pitch this season.
Griffiths has been part of 5 Premiership triumphs and has been one of the fan favourites at the club. This season he even went past the 100 goals barrier for the Hoops and is still contracted to stay at Parkhead until 2022. Therefore the club still has huge hopes from him and after the departure of on-loan players, Griffiths would be needed at his best next season.
The 28-year-old has the knack for scoring important goals. Even this season, he scored some crucial goals for the Hoops before taking the break. His late winner in the Europa League group games against Rosenborg earned the Hoops crucial three points and that later was enough to see them through to the next round.
All in all, this has been a positive update and Lennon should be applauded for keeping the fans in the loop regarding the striker’s situation. Words from Commons where he suggested Rodgers didn’t bother to even talk to the striker in the last few months would tarnish his image further at Parkhead.
