Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he never wants to lose Leigh Griffiths.
The striker has given Rodgers more problems than the rest of his squad combined but that hasn’t effected the manager’s view on the former Hibs striker.
Injury to Moussa Dembele at the end of last season saw Griffiths restored to the side and playing a key role in clinching the treble.
During that run Griffiths couldn’t hide his unhappiness at being substituted against Partick Thistle but his manager gave him a cuddle as the team saluted the fans before issuing a public dressing down.
The striker is facing a possible UEFA ban for tying a Celtic scarf to a goal post at Windsor Park but despite the bother Rodgers believes that the striker deserves his attention.
“I really like Leigh,” the hoops boss told The Sun. “There have been so many instances last season when I kept hearing that he was on his way.
“I have seen the stories many times but I wouldn’t even bother writing it. He is not one that I’d ever want to lose here. I cannot see him ever doing anything that would make me push him out.
“Leigh loves it at Celtic and I love having him. I am always going to need at least two top strikers here.”
Rodgers added: “If it gets to the point where it is disruptive to what I am doing and ultimately to what the team’s ambition is then I would cut straight away but it is never that. Leigh is a really good boy.
“He has issues and challenges, professionally and personally, but I have found him a really good man who wants to play football and score goals.”
Griffiths is likely to sit out tonight’s clash with Linfield due to a calf injury but there are no concerns about the knock with Rodgers revealing that the striker returned under weight for pre-season training.