Leigh Griffiths feared that he was about to be axed by Celtic in the summer.
In December Brendan Rodgers announced that the striker was taking time out from football sparking a raft of rumours about whatever demons he was dealing with.
Griffiths returned to Lennoxtown at the end of March but despite hopes of a playing comeback the season ended without any further contribution.
Neil Lennon has a major rebuilding job to do but despite only having Odsonne Edouard to deliver goals as the season ended the incoming boss has decided to stand by Griffiths.
Yesterday the striker faced up to the media cameras for the first time, after discussing his personal issues to the broadcast media he spoke about his footballing fears and issues with The Sun.
“It would have been easy for the club to cut ties altogether and say ‘Look, we’ll give you time off but in the summer it’s best if we go our separate ways’,” he admitted. “It was a worry for me. I’m not going to lie but, fair play to them, they told me to take the time off and to come back and start again. That’s what I’m trying to do.
“The manager came to me and said that it’s a clean slate this season and to show everyone what I’m all about and to get back to my best. That shows what this club is all about.
“It’s not just about looking out for itself. It’s about looking out for the players. They don’t want me to just play for Celtic. They want me to be okay after I finish my football career.”
Griffiths is still short of match fitness but is expected to play a part in tomorrow’s match against Nomme Kalju after making a 15 minute appearance in last week’s 2-1 home win over FK Sarajevo.
