LEIGH GRIFFITHS welcomed back two-goal Stefan Scepovic and then warned: “The number nine shirt is mine!”
The struggling Serb, with only four strikes from 23 appearances, took the tally to six while making his first start since January in the 5-0 title party victory over Inverness Caley Thistle.
Griffiths replaced the £2.2million summer signing to also get on the scoresheet for his 20th goal of the campaign.
He said: “I was pleased for Stefan because he has worked really hard in training and I know what it feels like to be desperate to play and not get a game.
“It is hard. He’ll feel good that he has come in and scored two. He’ll go away now thinking that he can build on that for next season.
“I was happy for him, but, at the same time, I want to be the number one striker here.
“I have made it clear – I want that number nine jersey and I want to be one of the first names that the manager puts on the teamsheet.
“I had to wait for my chance. I had to work really hard to convince the manager that I was worth a shot.
“It wasn’t easy and there were times when I wondered if it would come good for me at all.
“But I’m in this position now and I won’t give it up. I feel good. Any striker would be pleased to end the season with 20 goals, and I am because I didn’t get the chance to get going until January.”
Griffiths added: “I definitely think that if I start next season the way I finished this one that I’ll be the top scorer in the country.
“I feel like I am going to score every time I walk on to the pitch just now.
“The manager congratulated all of us after the game. I think he has been pleased that we have taken on board what he has asked us to do.
“You can feel the confidence within us as a team and I think there is more to come from me – and from everyone else.
“We can get better.”
