The Hoops ace is back in action and scored in the Parkhead side’s win over SC Pinkafeld in midweek.
Celtic legend Davie Hay has spoken highly of Leigh Griffiths following his return to action and goal against SC Pinkafeld, describing it as a positive step in the right direction and hoping things continue on the same path. (Evening Times)
The 28-year-old goal machine had been out since December as he battled personal problems but travelled with the Hoops contingent to Austria and was handed a start by boss Neil Lennon in the friendly against Pinkafeld earlier this week.
Griffiths, who has scored 104 goals and registered 45 assists in 203 appearances for Celtic (Transfermarkt), marked his return with a goal after latching on to a Calvin Miller cross to tap home and edge his side level after they went one down.
The game ended 6-1 to Celtic and even though it was the first of several friendlies ahead of a busy campaign for the Bhoys, Hay stressed just how important it was for the fan favourite.
“Leigh Griffiths may only have been on target for Celtic in a meaningless pre-season friendly against weak opposition in Austria this week,” he wrote in the Evening Times. “But it was a huge moment in his recovery from what has been a difficult period for him.
“For any striker, putting the ball in the net is a big confidence booster. It doesn’t matter that it was a tap in. Long may it continue. Now we are talking about Leigh Griffiths the striker not Leigh Griffiths and all of the problems he has had. It is a positive step in the right direction for him.”
Celtic have been drawn against FK Sarajevo of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first round of Champions League qualifying (official club website) and will begin their quest for a record-equalling ninth successive Scottish Premiership title at home to St Johnstone on Saturday 3 August.
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