Leigh Griffiths has revealed that a move from Edinburgh to Glasgow has helped save his Celtic career.
Scott Brown and Craig Gordon have been on the M8 commute throughout their Celtic careers but with his well documented issues Griffiths moved in the opposite direction to be closer to his place of work.
Cutting down the travelling time has been one factor in his return to form that has saw him link up with Odsonne Edouard and deliver four goals in six matches since the turn of the year.
Griffiths has still to regain full match fitness but since netting in the early stages of the Scottish Cup tie against Partick Thistle the signs have all been positive that the 100 goals plus was returning towards top form.
The year 2019 was virtually a write off for the former Hibs and Dundee striker but there was one significant move that is now paying off for the player and his club.
Griffiths told The Scotsman:
This time last year, I was nowhere to be seen. Now I’m back playing, scoring goals and feeling good. It’s now about continuing that way in my day to day life, making sure I’m on the ball in training and looking after myself off the pitch.
What have I changed? Where I’m living, for one thing. I had to move through to Glasgow from Edinburgh, which was a massive change for me. I’ve always stayed in Edinburgh, so it was a bit of a shock for me to come through and one of the biggest decisions I’ve made, but I am loving it.
Usually, they tell you to get out of Glasgow when you play for Celtic or Rangers – I’m looking to get closer but it’s all down to the club. They wanted me to be within touching distance of the stadium and training ground for my own well being. It’s not an hour and a half drive each way every day now.
The club just wanted to see me back on the pitch and scoring goals. Thankfully that’s where I am now, trying to repay them – but I don’t think I can ever repay the club for the help I’ve had.
With Griffiths back on form Celtic have enjoyed a 100% record in 2020 which has sent them seven points clear at the top of the SPFL Premiership with their goal difference advantage of 12 effectively worth a further point.
