Former Celtic striker Willie Wallace has told The Scottish Sun that Leigh Griffiths will not last long under Ange Postecoglou if the forward cannot match his new manager’s demands.
Griffiths struggled with fitness issues last season but after positive talks with Postecoglou, signed a one-year contract extension this summer. The 30-year-old had appeared set for the Parkhead exit, with his previous terms expiring at the end of last month.
It marked Postecoglou’s first piece of significant business since taking up the vacant Celtic manager’s position. He believes Griffiths can play a huge part in his plans, after only starting seven of 18 Premiership appearances last term, scoring five goals.
But Wallace has warned Griffiths that he could still be shown the boot if he cannot step up for Celtic under Postecoglou. The Hoops hero likens Griffiths and Postecoglou’s situation to that of Jock Stein and Jimmy Johnstone.
“Griffiths has done well for Celtic. He’s scored a lot of goals and won so many trophies,” Wallace said. “Things haven’t gone well in the last year and there have been question marks over his lifestyle.
“But every Celtic manager has to be able to deal with the hard players, as well as the easy ones. Celtic have given him a new contract, but if he doesn’t match the demands, he won’t last. Jock was tough on Jinky and I’m sure Ange will be exactly the same with Griffiths.
“I like Griffiths. He has that bit of devilment in him that Jimmy had too. He’s confident, he can be brash, but sometimes you need players like that around the squad. There is no doubt in my mind a fit Leigh Griffiths can still score a lot of goals for Celtic.”
Postecoglou will hope Griffiths hears Wallace warning at Celtic
Postecoglou will hope Griffiths hears Wallace’s warning and buys into the new Celtic manager’s methods from the off. The 30-year-old enjoyed a strong run in front of the goal over the winter, but slipped off in line with receiving lesser minutes in the run to the end.
But now that Griffiths has signed a new deal to stay at Celtic for another year, Postecoglou will want to see him offer the threat Wallace lauds. And the 22-cap Scotland centre-forward delivering could go a long way to the Hoops reclaiming the Premiership title.
Odsonne Edouard carried the burden, but his form was not always where Celtic know it can be. Albian Ajeti also failed to live up to his £4.5m price tag after joining from West Ham last summer, scoring just once after netting five times in his first six league appearances.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
