Griffiths: If you can’t handle the pressure you shouldn’t be here

Leigh Griffiths has warned future Celtic signings that they must be able to handle the pressure of wearing the hoops.

After a month out of action the former Hibs striker came off the bench to score an 89th minute winner to defeat Partick Thistle and end a two match win-less run.

Celtic rarely looked like scoring with the visitors winning the corner count by 10-4. Alan Archibald’s side drew 0-0 in midweek at Aberdeen but were denied a point when Griffiths pounced to find the net after an effort from Kris Commons fell his way.

After scoring Griffiths admitted: “If you can’t play with pressure from the home fans you shouldn’t be at a club like this.

“If it was 5-0 or 1-0 as long as we get three points and stay top of the league that’s all that matters.”

The win lifts Celtic three points clear of Aberdeen, with a game in hand, with Derek McInnes’ side facing St Johnstone tomorrow.

Griffiths was a half time replacement for Nadir Ciftci with Deila pleased to have his top scorer back in action.

“When Leigh came on we were the more dangerous,” the Celtic boss said. “He went behind them and in the end got the chance we needed to win the game.”

Celtic were reduced down to ten men in the 70th minute when Nir Bitton was sent off- his second red card of the season.

Next Sunday Celtic switch their attention to the Scottish Cup and a trip to Stranraer who beat Ayr Utd 1-0 at home today.