McAvennie Backs Celtic Star To Make Shock Return For Cup Final

McAvennie Backs Celtic Star To Make Shock Return For Cup Final

Celtic legend Frank McAvennie believes Leigh Griffiths should start ahead of Odsonne Edouard in the Scottish Cup final against Hearts this weekend.

The Scotland international has struggled with his fitness since preseason, but he has scored three goals in the seven appearances he has made this campaign. In contrast, Edouard has not scored from open play in the league since the opening game of the season and McAvennie feels a change up front is needed:

“I’d play Griffiths. With Griffiths, Lenny keeps saying that he needs to get fit. If that’s the case then someone has to get him fit and surely that’s the manager’s job or, if it’s not him, then the coaches. But I think he’s the best finisher at the club. Edouard’s a better player but Griffiths has the edge when it comes to taking chances.”

It would be a massive call if Lennon goes with Griffiths ahead of the likes of Edouard, Albian Ajeti or even Patryk Klimala. The 30-year-old has been an unused substitute in the last two fixtures and, with Lennon’s job on the line, it would be a big risk if he decides to recall the striker to the starting line up.

The game at Hampden Park on Sunday could prove to be a pivotal point in the season for Celtic, who need a big boost if they are to recover their form.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.