John Hartson has discussed Brendan Rodgers’ choice between Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths.
John Hartson celebrates scoring for Celtic
Celtic hero and current pundit John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he agrees with Brendan Rodgers’ decision to use Moussa Dembele up front, ahead of Leigh Griffiths.
The Bhoys are in action this afternoon as they take on Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park, and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will have some selection decisions to make.
Celtic’s Moussa Dembele
He could choose to recall Dorus De Vries just to rotate his goalkeepers, whilst Kolo Toure’s nightmare display against Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek means Jozo Simunovic could be given a chance.
The biggest decision for Rodgers could be up front, as he has two proven goalscorers at his disposal in Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths.
Summer signing Dembele has stolen the spotlight so far this season, hammering 13 goals in 19 games, and assuming the mantle of Celtic’s first-choice striker.
Leigh Griffiths celebrates after scoring for Celtic
Scottish star Griffiths scored 40 goals last season, meaning it’s quite the surprise that he’s lost his place up front – but lately, he’s only been a substitute, and many want to see him given a chance to shine against Rangers today.
However, ahead of today’s game, former Celtic striker and current pundit John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Dembele should start, and doesn’t think Rodgers will play both players given how he’s often used just one striker in his formations over his career.
Hartson ultimately believes that Rodgers is making the right decision for his team, but criticised Scotland manager Gordon Strachan for not picking Griffiths for the national team.
John Hartson
“Leigh Griffiths wants the chance to play alongside Moussa Dembele against Rangers,” said Hartson. “I don’t think he will — and I don’t think he should either. I can’t see Brendan Rodgers ever changing his philosophy. Look at his teams and he’s a one striker man.”
“I understand Leigh’s frustrations, of course I can. He knows Dembele has been on fire. But I do think the modern-day game is about a squad. I don’t think Leigh will have any intentions at this moment in time of leaving the club or kicking up a fuss.”
“Who knows, he might even play up front on his own. He just needs to be ready, he can’t switch off. Then when he gets back in he’s got to keep Dembele out the team. I agree with what Brendan is doing. But I can’t say the same about Gordon Strachan’s reasons for not picking Leigh for Scotland. Gordon said it was because he sometimes needed more height when they were defending set-pieces. To me that’s nonsense,” he added.
Do you think Rodgers should go with Dembele or Griffiths or top?
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