LEIGH GRIFFITHS has kicked his last ball for Celtic this season.
The striker, who has claimed a mere six goals in a campaign that was derailed due to personal issues in December, had hoped to get the chance to turn out with only three games remaining.
Neil Lennon had remarked there might be the possibility of the Scotland international getting game time.
However, the interim manager has now admitted even a cameo appearance against Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on May 25 is highly unlikely.
The Irishman backed Griffiths to come back in the new season and has told the 29-year-old hitman to ignore online trolls who insisted he had been sacked by the champions.
Lennon, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Leigh’s doing very well. He’s in good shape and we’re hoping to get him on the grass pitch next week.
“He’s worked very hard and his behaviour away from the club since I came in has been impeccable. He just has to ignore all the nonsense.
“We’re human beings at the end of the day and it can hurt. Leigh is a strong character and he has been through a really tough time.
“The club and Leigh are doing all we can to get him back playing and doing what he does best. I’d prefer him not to react to it and to stay away from social media.”
Ironically, Griifths scored his 100th goal for the Hoops in the 3-0 Europa League qualifier against FK Sudova at Parkhead in August.
However, his last strike came in the 4-0 Premiership victory at Hamilton Accies in November with a trademark free-kick.
