LEIGH GRIFFITHS has admitted he hopes Scotland can fire him back into the Celtic first team.
Last season’s 40-goal man, who has notched eight this term, hopes to lead Gordon Strachan’s attack in the crucial World Cup double-header with Lithuania at Hampden tomorrow night and in Slovakia on Tuesday.
Since returning from the calf injury sustained against Aberdeen in August, Griffiths have been restricted to three substitute appearances against Kilmarnock, Manchester City and Dundee while scoring against the Rugby Park men.
Moussa Dembele has been in impressive form since taking over as the main striker as has taken his goal haul to 12 in 17 appearances.
But Griffiths is determined to use the international experience to win a place in Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice line-up.
He said: “My aim is to get back in the team regardless if it is Moussa dropping out or someone else dropping out.
“I can’t have too many complaints to be sitting on the bench because if the shoe was on the other foot then I would be very disappointed if I was then dropped.
“At the minute, it is just about keeping my head down and working as hard as I can. It is international week now and there is a chance to think about Scotland and see what I can do there.
“But, hopefully, I can come back and stake my claim again.
“It is good to have a chance to go and be in with a shout of representing my country. It will keep me going and I can come back to Celtic ready to play my part.”
