CHRIS SUTTON reckons the end of in sight for Leigh Griffiths at Celtic.
The Hoops striker is sweating on the Parkhead side taking up the 12-month option on his contract which is due to expire on April 30, as CQN reported during the week.
Griffiths has struggled to make an impact over the past three years due personal issues, fitness problems and lack of form.
The one-time lethal hitman, who will be 31 in August, has scored only one goal this year – in the 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies on January 27 – to add to the six he collected in all competitions in the first half of a wretched campaign.
Interim manager John Kennedy gave him a rare starting opportunity in the Scottish Cup-tie against League One Falkirk a week ago, but the one-time Scotland international fluffed his lines, missed two reasonable chances in the first-half and was hooked just after the hour mark to make way for the equally-unconvincing Albian Ajeti.
STRIKING HOME…Chris Sutton’s comments on Leigh Griffiths.
It is highly unlikely he will lead the attack against his former club Livingston in the Premiership this afternoon and time looks to be running out on his time at the club he joined for £1.2million from Wolves in January 2014.
Former goal hero Sutton said: “A decision will need to be made about Leigh Griffiths, but I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see him being allowed to go.
“I know that we’ve had our differences in recent times, but I’ve always said he’s the best natural finisher in the country and a fit and firing Leigh Griffiths is a huge asset for Celtic.
“But how often have we seen that in recent years?
“He turned the season around in three impressive months last year, but it’s not happened this term.”
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “Griffiths has been a tremendous servant to Celtic, but the writing has been on the wall for a while and football is a ruthless game.
“Will the new manager be able to hang their hat on him? The last few haven’t.”
Griffiths has already been linked with a reunion with Scott Brown at Aberdeen where Hibs, his boyhood idols where he spent a prolific loan period, are also watching the situation.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Livingston this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
