Neil Lennon has praised Leigh Griffiths for getting himself into great condition.
The striker missed Celtic’s three match trip to France with his manager making unusually critical comments about the former Hibs striker.
From his attitude to his fitness and use of social media Lennon didn’t hold back after the 1-1 draw with Nice ten days ago.
Griffiths was left to train at Lennoxtown while his team-mates prepared for the new season but there was a noticeable about turn from the Celtic boss when asked about the striker after today’s 2-0 win over Ross County.
BBC Scotland report Lennon saying:
I gave him a bit of criticism while I was away. He’s got himself in great condition. He needs a little bit of time in terms of his football. He will get some game time tomorrow [friendly against Hibs].
It’s a great boost. It’s the minimum requirement. He’s got himself to a really good level, so it’s important he maintains that because he will be an asset for us.
If Griffiths gets back into condition and contention it will be a massive boost for Lennon going into the new season which starts next week.
Playing with two strikers in the second half of last season turned Celtic’s fortunes around, taking some of the burden from Odsonne Edouard can only benefit the Frenchman as Celtic set out for a 10th successive title.