Pat Bonner believes that Leigh Griffiths’ days at Celtic are as good as over.
The striker was finding top form when the 2019/20 season was brought to a halt but this season has been one of misery with only a mini burst of form in December to hint at past powers.
Griffiths was in the dog house in pre-season when Neil Lennon went public about conditioning issues, there was no attempt to keep things in-house to protect the player.
Albian Ajeti became the latest striker brought in since Griffiths joined from Wolves in January 2014 with the Swiss internationalist making a scoring impact.
Griffiths did work his way back into favour, picking up more Scotland caps and scoring in the penalty shoot-out win over Serbia in November.
A goal against Hearts coming off the bench in the Scottish Cup Final followed by another success in a shoot-out should have teed up 2021 for the former Hibs striker but goals are even rarer than starting appearances. Griffiths has one goal to his name, at home to Hamilton, this year.
Yesterday he was given the chance to impress against Falkirk but after snatching at a couple of chances he was substituted and cut a forlorn figure as he made way for Ajeti.
Tuning in to Radio Scotland’s coverage of the Falkirk match The Sun reports:
The 30-year-old is one of the most clinical and effective strikers in the country on his day, but Bonner reckons those days – at Parkhead at least – are behind him.
The former Hoops goalkeeper told BBC Sportsound: “Yeah I think he’s finished as a Celtic player. He’s gone down the pecking order.”
With games running out and a new manager set to arrive chances might become rarer for Griffiths, after seven years defying the critics his next challenge could be the toughest with just over a year to run on his contract.