FIT-AGAIN Leigh Griffiths is aiming to take the freeway to fire Celtic into the Champions League group stages.
The striker has overcome his calf problem is raring to go against Astana in the play-off first leg at a packed Parkhead tonight.
Griffiths said: “I actually never even practised free-kicks much as a kid.
“But what I did love, and still love, is striking the ball. Ask any of the boys in the Celtic dressing room and they’ll tell you that no-one loves hitting shots, scoring goals, more than me.
“Whether it’s in training or in games, I never get bored of it.”
Griffiths is hoping to capitalise on any set-piece against the Kazakhstan champions by repeating the feat he performed for Scotland in the 2-2 World Cup draw against England in June.
He curled two unstoppable free-kicks past the despairing Joe Hart at Hampden that should have seen Gordon Strachan’s men notch a famous victory but for a stoppage-time leveller from Harry Kane.
Griffiths added: “Shunsuke Nakamura’s free-kicks were brilliant and I remember watching them all the time on the highlights programmes.
“But the one against Manchester United in the Champions League always stands out for me.
“I think that was his best. I’ve spoken to Broony about him as they played together and he says that, with the ball at his feet and especially with free-kicks, Nakamura was just a magician.”
Griffiths is hoping to stage an action replay this evening.
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