NEIL LENNON refused to rule out comeback Bhoy Leigh Griffiths from his plans for Celtic’s opening Champions League qualifier against FK Sarajevo in Bosnia on Tuesday.
It may be step too far as the 28-year-old striker battles to return to match fitness after seven months on the sidelines due to personal issues.
Griffiths scored six goals in the three pre-season friendlies in Austria and Switzerland and Lennon admitted the player has “come a long way in a short space of time”.
The Hoops boss, speaking on Celtic TV, said: “We’re not only delighted in having him back, but the contribution he is making, as well.
“No matter the opposition, to score quality goals like that shows that he’s a quality player and a quality finisher.
“It’s just pure instinct with him. He knows he needs to get a little bit fitter, but he’s come a long way in a short space of time.”
Griffiths’ season last time around was just about a write-off with the hitman claiming a meagre six goals in total, his worst tally in the game.
He fired in a trademark free-kick after coming on as a substitute at Hamilton on November 24. It was the Hoops’ final goal in a 3-0 win – and the forward’s last of the campaign.
However, he has worked diligently throughout the summer and is determined to prove the doubters wrong in the forthcoming weeks and months.
