GRIFFITHS CHASING CHARLIE

CELTIC’S free scoring striker is on a high as he looks set to break all kinds of records this season. His goals are the principal reason that Celtic are favourites for both the league and Scottish Cup and the former Wolves striker looks set to break into the Scotland starting line-up and maybe start adding the goals that have been missing from the national side over the last few years.

Certainly Griffiths has carried the goal scoring responsibilities at Celtic almost single handedly this season having already scored over 25 goals more than his any other Celtic player. 

“It is weird I have scored 35 and the others haven’t got 10, which is surprising given the talent we have and the goals that are throughout the squad,” stated Griffiths ahead of today’s trip to Rugby Park for a vital league encounter against a Kilmarnock side that remain unbeaten against the Champions this season.

“It is just one of those things that everything I hit seems to go in, but if the other boys could start chipping in with a few goals it would take the weight off my shoulders a wee bit,” said Griffiths.

“I was brought to Celtic to score goals, that is my job. Every time I go out on the pitch I am looking to score, that is well known.

“Hopefully, if the other boys can chip in as well then we will be brushing teams away.”

However goals from teammates won’t lessen the Griffiths appetite for more goalscoring glory. He has been reading up on Celtic’s history to check out records that he is chasing and Charlie Nicholas is in his sights!

‘Charlie Nicholas had a record of 48 in one season which someone mentioned to me and then there is Henrik Larsson’s record of 53 which is way beyond my reach,’ said the Celtic striker.

‘I still have nine league games to go as well at least one cup game and maybe even a cup final.

‘So if I try to score in every game between now and the end of the season maybe I could equal that record (of Charlie Nicholas), but I am not counting my chickens too much. If I get to 40 I will be happy.’

‘It seems that every time I score a goal they keep comparing me to these records,’ said Leigh.

‘If I can break a record and make a name for myself here I will be buzzing.

‘You see the pictures outside Celtic Park and around the stadium of Charlie Nicholas, Brian McClair, Henrik Larsson, John Hartson and Chris Sutton. They were all great strikers here and I want to be remembered just like them.’

Gordon Strachan is almost certain to start Griffiths against Denmark at Hampden in the forthcoming friendly, and the prospect of international football excites the Celtic forward.

‘If I get a chance I will hopefully go on and put a performance in and show the manager what I can do,’ said Griffiths.

‘He has been to a few of the games, I think. He knows what I can do. It is all about taking that opportunity when I get it.

‘I am just hoping to be involved. I am not going there thinking I am the first-choice striker. That is not the case.

‘I am up against Fletch (Steven Fletcher) and Chris Martin who has recently been banging the goals in for Derby County again. Whoever plays the game will have a job on their hands. If I don’t start I will sit on the bench and wait my turn.’