Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has confirmed that he is hoping to be part of Ange Postecoglou’s first-team plans ahead of the new season.
The 29-year-old struggled with fitness issues last campaign, leading to some scathing criticism from former manager Neil Lennon, but the forward has said that the new head coach has contacted him to give assurances about his future, with a new contract likely to be agreed:
“I spoke to the manager last week and he is keen to keep me on. We are looking for a deal to be done and hopefully it can be done in the next few days.”
Supporters on Twitter are very much split on whether Griffiths deserves to be given another opportunity to salvage his Hoops career:
One more chance ?
— chris donnelly (@chrisdonnelly77) June 24, 2021
Let us down one too many times.
— Kathryn White ???????\?/??????? (@RealKaffo) June 24, 2021
Keep if attitude stays the same punt in January
— Celtic News Donegal (@news_donegal) June 24, 2021
He’s had enough chances, 6 league goals last season, unfit for the majority of it, not been there when we needed him, hasn’t hit double digits in the league since 2016/17, why on earth do people want him to sign a new contract.
— Alex (@alxtrxy_prv) June 24, 2021
Ange has had a history of signing/keeping unwanted players and giving them a new lease of life. I wouldn't be surprised if Leigh Griffiths plays an absolute killer of a season
— Leigh Broxham FACTS ? (@TheBroxFacts) June 24, 2021
A think he deserves another chance hes a great finisher. But i would make the contract an incentive based/appearance not a straight full contract
— Davidc.cfc? (@David94764368) June 24, 2021
Struggled last couple of seasons but I hope he gets a new deal he’s a top man when on form griff let’s hope ange can get the best outta him
— phelim o greachan (@OGreachan) June 24, 2021
It is a difficult situation. Griffiths is an excellent striker when he is fit and firing, but there are no guarantees that he will be in the right mindset to perform to the best of his ability.
Postecoglou’s man-management skills will be put to the test, but if the Australian can keep Griffiths on the straight and narrow, it would certainly help Celtic’s chances of getting a good start to next season.
