Leigh Griffiths has admitted that his Celtic career was on the line at the turn of the year.
During 2019 he battled against personal issues then found his career stalling as he tried to break into the Celtic side.
Early season goals against Nomme Kalju, St Johnstone and Motherwell made way for four goal-less months alongside regular rumours that his Celtic days were numbered.
A loan spell back at Hibs was suggested with few giving the striker a chance of making an impact on Celtic’s season with Patryk Klimala looking like providing competition and back up to Odsonne Edouard.
What goes on in Dubai stays in Dubai but Griffiths returned as a key player in a revitalised Celtic side that stormed to the title signing the campaign off with a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over St Mirren on March 7.
Reflecting on the season just ended Griffiths told The Sun:
The first couple of months when I came back were great. It was good being back involved with the boys, but then I got injured and you struggle to get your fitness back.
There were a lot of rumours about stuff, that you might be moved on. So January was the crossroads for me.
If I hadn’t gone away, worked hard in Dubai and showed the manager I wanted to be here and force my way into the side, it could have been a whole different story.
It just goes to show how good my mental strength is. To go to Dubai, work hard and get fitter by the day. When I got my chance, I was ready to be called upon and I put in the performances that kept my place in the team.
After Scott Brown and James Forrest, Griffiths has got more title winning medals than anyone else in the current Celtic squad.