Neil Lennon has spoken publicly for the first time about Leigh Griffiths’ problems.
The striker was pulled out of the Celtic squad that faced RB Salzburg at the start of January starting a frenzy of speculation about the issues involved.
Griffiths has been back at Lennoxtown training for the last month but has still to be pictured in action with his team-mates.
His loss has badly effected Celtic’s performances with almost all of the striking burden falling on Odsonne Edouard who was third choice a year ago.
Go to 9 minutes 20 seconds for Griffiths quotes
Lennon signed Griffiths from Wolves in January 2014 and seems to have a special rapport and understanding of his personality.
“He’s having some fitness tests today so we’ll have a fair idea how far away he is when we get the results,” the Celtic caretaker explained
“He has a bit of work to do still (will he play this season?) but, hopefully, yeah. Which would be a bonus because we’ve missed his goals, there is no question of that.
Looking long term Lennon added: “We’ve had a lot of conversations with him, the club has done all it can to help him but obviously with off the field difficulties he needs to get some calmness in his life, stability and then the football can take care of it’s self.
“You know if you have carnage going on off the field it’s going to get you eventually, catch up with you on the field. He knows that, there’s a realisation there, he is working very hard behind the scenes which is great.”
Griffiths made his last Celtic appearance on December 8 when he came on as a 68th minute substitute for Odsonne Edouard in the 5-1 win over Kilmarmock. His last goal was on November 24 during the 3-0 win away to Hamilton.
