LEIGH GRIFFITHS has been handed a one-year reprieve by new boss Ange Postecoglou.
It looked as though the striker, who is 31 next month, was heading for the Parkhead exit until a last-gasp offer from Neil Lennon’s successor.
Griffiths, with only seven goals in a disastrous campaign last time out and 25 in total over the past three years, sweated on Postecoglou throwing him a lifeline.
It appeared the frontman’s seven and a half years at the club following his £1.2million arrival from Wolves in January 2014, were at an end and Hibs, his boyhood favourites where he enjoyed two successful loan periods from the Molineux outfit, were reported to be lining up a swoop.
Griffiths said: “I am delighted to extend my time at the club. Celtic is a club I love and want to do all I can to play my part again in bringing success to our supporters.
HAMPDEN HERO…Leigh Griffiths slams in Celtic’s third goal against Hearts in the delayed Scottish Cup Final in December last year.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and working with the new gaffer and the rest of the lads. It is an exciting time for the club and I wanted to be part of the club’s future. I’ll be doing everything I can to help us get back to where we all want to be.”
Postecoglou, in a report in the Daily Record, added: “I am really pleased to keep Leigh with us for another season at least.
“I have had very positive conversations with Leigh and he clearly understands my expectations and more importantly the club’s.
“Leigh has already proven himself as one of the top strikers in Scotland and I look forward to working with him so that we can bring success to Celtic Football Club.”
Griffiths is now expected to meet up with his colleagues at Lennoxtown after training on his own since the end of the season.
