Leigh Griffiths has revealed the special instructions that Brendan Rodgers gave him as he was sent on as a substitute against Sevco at Hampden.
In the lead up to the match the striker, or substitute, and his manager had gone public with their views on whether Griffiths could play alongside Moussa Dembele.
From fairly early on at Hampden it seemed that there was a strong case for introducing Griffiths with Rodgers attempting to vary things by switching Scott Sinclair and James Forrest from wing to wing.
Dembele looked in need of some more direct support while the ‘threat’ from Sevco could be summed up in the way Kenny Miller dropped deeper and deeper to bolster his defence.
Rodgers waiting till the 70th minute before introducing Griffiths and got his reward when the former Hibs striker set up Dembele for the golden goal that booked Celtic’s final place against Aberdeen.
“The manager just asked me to go on and create something for the team,” Griffiths revealed. “That’s what I’m all about, trying to score goals or create chances for the boys.
“There’s always a worry when you don’t score. Their keeper has kept them in it with a few good saves but I knew that we’d get another few chances to win the game and thankfully I put it on a plate for Moussa.
“The only way I can stake a claim for a place in the team is by going on and showing the manager what I can do and keep working hard in training.
“There are a lot of games coming up, so there will be opportunities to play — it’s up to me to take them. Today, I’ve shown I can bide my time and be patient. I showed I can come on and change games.”
Since recovering from a hamstring strain that cost him his place for club and country Griffiths has found himself at the centre of attention.
Gordon Strachan and Rodgers have both gone public on their reasons for leaving the striker out of their starting line-ups.
CLICK HERE for five classic images from Hampden.
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CLICK HERE for summer signing target pictured at Hampden.