LEIGH GRIFFITHS is heading in the right direction as he attempts to make up for seven months in the football wilderness.
And boss Neil Lennon is backing the team’s “rascal” to make progress as he works on his sharpness in preparation for a crucial campaign.
Griffiths, 28, impressed the manager and the fans with his first performance at Parkhead in 2019 during the friendly goalless draw against French Cup winners Rennes at the weekend.
The Scotland international frontman looked lively before he was withdrawn late in the encounter with Odsonne Edouard taking his place.
Lennon admitted he was delighted with the forward as he returned to action after his spell out of the game due to personal issues.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “He was obviously fatigued as the game went on, but I was delighted with him.
“Everyone likes the rascal and he’s got that in him. You don’t want to take that away from him, but he knows he’s got to knuckle down and he’s done that over the last couple of months.
“He’s looking well, even in training a lot sharper. You never lose that hunger. He’s from the streets and you never lose that competitive edge.
“I’m not saying he’s the finished article as yet, but he’s going in the right direction.
“It’s down to him to not only get fit, but to stay fit. He’s missed out on a lot of football, but he seems in a good place.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from the Celtic v FK Sarajevo Champions League tie tonight – only in your champion CQN.
