Neil Lennon has admitted that Leigh Griffiths will be around his squad for Sunday’s SPFL opener against Hamilton.
The striker played for half an hour in today’s 3-1 win over Hibs where he created two goals for Patryk Klimala and looked in good shape.
Griffiths seemed sharp and alert- he almost scored within a minute of replacing Ewan Henderson- in his first match since scoring a hat-trick against St Mirren on March 7.
Finding back up and alternatives to Odsonne Edouard is a priority for Lennon with the Celtic boss being won around by the wayward striker.
Following today’s win over Hibs BBC Scotland reports:
And the manager said the 29-year-old will be “around the squad” for Sunday’s league opener at home to Hamilton Academical.
“He showed me he has a lot more responsibility, individually and in the team,” Lennon said. “It’s the best I have seen him in 18 months. A lot of it is down to personal responsibility, and he knows that.”
After being left out of the squad that took part in three matches in France Lennon delivered a scathing attack on Griffiths- covering everything from his fitness and attitude through to his use of social media.
The former Hibs striker has had a very troubled time over the last 20 months but today’s display has nudged open the door towards an unlikely first team return.