Celtic won 1-0 against Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final yesterday.
Leigh Griffiths has told the Daily Mail that Brendan Rodgers encouraged him to go and create something before bringing him on during Celtic’s match against Rangers yesterday.
Griffiths was kept on the substitutes’ bench until late on in the Scottish League Cup final, but the Scottish international made the difference in the match when he set-up Moussa Dembele.
Griffiths escaped from the Rangers’ defence, before crossing the ball for Dembele, who finished in style.
And Griffiths said: “The manager just asked me to go on and create something for the team.
“That’s what I’m all about, trying to score goals or create chances for the boys.
“There’s always a worry when you don’t score. Their keeper has kept them in it with a few good saves but I knew that we’d get another few chances to win the game and thankfully I put it on a plate for Moussa.”
Griffiths has responded well to the pressure that has been put on him since Brendan Rodgers took charge at Celtic Park.
The arrival of Dembele has forced Griffiths out of the team, even though he netted 40 times for the Bhoys last term.
Griffiths could have sulked after being dropped, but his attitude has been exemplary and his impact in the Old-Firm derby was obvious.
Celtic have now beaten Rangers both times they have met this season, with Dembele scoring four times in those matches.
Celtic will take on Aberdeen in the League Cup final when it takes place in November.
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