LEIGH GRIFFITHS has been branded a serial offender when it comes to disappointing people.
That’s the damning verdict of Ally McCoist, the former Ibrox player and manager who is now a media pundit.
Griffiths was axed by fuming boss Neil Lennon for the champions’ three-game trip to France where they played Nice (1-1), Lyon (1-2) and Paris Saint-Germain (0-4).
There was still no sign of the 29-year-old Scotland international striker when the Hoops beat Ross County last weekend, but he had half-an-hour of action in the 3-1 win over Hibs on Monday.
It was the first time the player had been on the Parkhead pitch since his hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over St Mirren in the final match of the previous campaign on March 7.
Griffiths had been ignored by his manager after returning overweight and out of condition following four months of lockdown.
McCoist, speaking on BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra, blasted Griffiths: “I think, again, not for the first time, he’s let himself down, the Celtic fans down and, most importantly, the man who’s stood by him, he’s let Neil Lennon down.
“He just absolutely baffles me, that wee man.
“That wee man should be scoring goals for Celtic and playing in the Scotland team.
“I don’t know if he doesn’t get it or whatever, I just don’t understand it.
“I just think it’s a disgrace the way he came back and he wasn’t in a fit enough state to go with the rest of his team-mates to France.”
Lennon, though, appears to be willing to give the frontman another chance after watching his contribution in the match against the Easter Road outfit.
He said: “I was absolutely delighted to see the condition Griff has got himself in when we came back this week.
“He had a lot of criticism but he deserves praise for the way he has come back. There is a massive difference.
“It’s all down to him and he has to maintain that now, but it’s been a great response.
“He has got himself to a really good level and it’s important he maintains that because he will be an asset to us.
“Leigh can give us so much — goals, link-up play and game intelligence.”
With the Hoops gaffer now allowed to utilise five substitutes during a Premiership game, there may be a place for Griffiths on the bench for the visit of Hamilton Accies tomorrow afternoon as the champions kick off their assault on title No.10 on the trot.
