Griffiths is in the media spotlight after the Celtic ace pulled out of Scotland’s squad.
Steven Naismith has told the Daily Record that Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is “too honest” sometimes, but defended the Hoops ace after he controversially pulled out of the Scotland squad.
Griffiths, 28, pulled out of the squad to face Israel and Portugal, claiming that he wants to improve his fitness over the international break rather than play for Alex McLeish’s side.
But the truth has been discussed, with some claiming that Griffiths is still seething at being dropped for the UEFA Nations League win over Albania last time out – while some reckon he has been told he will not start against Israel.
Hearts and former Rangers star Naismith chose to praise the decision made by Griffiths, who is yet to be firing on all cylinders for Celtic this season. But Naismith did outline where the Celtic man goes wrong.
“He’s reaching his peak. Why would you want to miss out on international football when you’re coming into that period? If anything Griff is too honest for his own good sometimes,” Naismith said. “He wants to play. His comments about kick in the teeth, I can understand what he’s saying.
“He’s not saying, ‘I’m not going to try from now on.’ He is saying, ‘It’s a blow.’ It’s how you react to it. I don’t think you can look negatively on someone who is brave enough and who trusts in their ability to get back into the squad.”
Griffiths has managed just five goals in 16 league and cup appearances for Celtic, with marquee summer signing Odsonne Edouard considered above him in the pecking order.
After this international break, Scotland are next in action in November against Albania and Israel again in the Nations League – and it remains to be seen if McLeish decides to choose Griffiths.
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