JORGE CADETE, the former Celtic frontman, has urged Neil Lennon to unleash Leigh Griffiths on Steven Gerrard’s team at Ibrox on Sunday.
The 29-year-old striker staked his claim for a place in the starting line-up with his three-goal display in the 5-0 victory over St Mirren at Parkhead at the weekend.
It was an assured, polished and confident performance from the comeback Bhoy who insists he was born to play at Ibrox.
Former Portuguese international forward Cadete returned to the east end of Glasgow to watch his old club turn on a five-star performance on Saturday and reckons Neil Lennon MUST include Griffiths in his team.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, he said: “Celtic have a big lead in the league table and don’t need to win the game.
“But I don’t expect them to play for a draw, Neil Lennon will go there to get three points.
“Celtic will attack and Leigh Griffiths gives them a better chance to win against Rangers. I would like to see him play alongside Odsonne Edouard up front and I think that’s what Neil will do.
“Griffiths was the Celtic player who impressed me most against St Mirren. He is a natural goalscorer.
“He got a hat-trick and the only thing that surprised me was he didn’t grab the ball and take the penalty, too!
“Callum McGregor took it instead and I expected Griffiths to try and get his fourth goal of the game. Maybe he was happy with the three goals, but as a striker I’d have tried to get another one.
“It’s not very often a forward scores four, but Griffiths did his job and he can be a big player against Rangers.
“I know he had a hard time last season with some problems off the field, but he is a fighter.
“Griffiths has the personality to play for Celtic. He can handle the pressure of big games.
“Sunday is a massive moment for Celtic and I expect him to play a very important part.”
Cadete continued: “Griffiths and Edouard are very good strikers and linked well, but they can both improve even more.
“Yes, they are doing well for Celtic, but you never stop learning about the game.
“In any sport there is always room for improvement. Whether it’s football, basketball or golf, you need to train harder every day.
“It’s about doing the right things every day. The more you practise, the better you get. They both created goals for each other against St Mirren and both scored, but there is even more to come from them.”
The former Portuguese maverick marksman added: “The players will remember losing to Rangers at the end of 2019 and there is big motivation to get a positive result.
“Rangers have done well in Europe and they deserve credit for their results.
“But Celtic are the champions and I expect them to be hungry for a win on Sunday.”
