STARTER FOR TEN: GRIFF’S CHALLENGE

LEIGH GRIFFITHS is poised for only his second Premiership League start for Celtic against Hamilton Accies tomorrow afternoon.

The 30-year-old striker was given the nod by Neil Lennon to be in at the kick-off against Ross County in midweek and the Scotland international responded with the killer second goal in the 2-0 win.

He was withdrawn in the 81st minute following his extended appearance in the top side and he can expect to go again against Brian Rice’s men as the Hoops aim to maintain their momentum in the bid for a tenth successive title.

Griffiths has netted only three times in the historic quest, with a well-timed effort in the 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on October 4 and a stunning half-volley in the 3-3 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie three weeks later. He completed his personal treble with his effort against the Dingwall outfit after David Turnbull had opened the scoring in the first-half.

The experienced frontman is one of four strikers named in the squad to face Accies with Odsonne Edouard, Albian Ajeti, who replaced Griffiths against County, and Patryk Klimala also involved.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

Hazard, Barkas, Bain, Frimpong, Elhamed, Jullien, Ajer, Duffy, Ralston, Bitton, Welsh, Taylor, Laxalt, Brown, Soro, McGregor, Henderson, Connell, Ntcham, Turnbull, Christie, Elyounoussi, Rogic, Edouard, Ajeti, Griffiths and Klimala.

* CQN wishes all our readers a very Merry Christmas and hope it is a special one for you and yours. Take care and stay safe, folks.