Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has confirmed he has been fit enough to start games, despite manager Neil Lennon’s comments surrounding his fitness issues.
The striker was a goal hero yesterday, coming on in extra time and scoring the third for Celtic, before stepping up and taking the first penalty in the shootout and scoring.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times, the 30-year challenged his manager to start him in games as he is more than ready to get out on the pitch after playing more of a bit-part role this season.
“We have four strikers here all vying for the one place just now, with the formation we go with.
“He said after the game that I need to get fitter. Well that green stuff, the pitch, I need to be on that to get match fit. I am not unfit. I am fit. But just not match fit and you can tell. Obviously, I have not had a run of games.
“Hopefully I can get a wee run now and get my fitness right back up. There is a difference between being fit and match fit and you need to play games to get match fit and the more minutes I get the fitter I will be.
“Luckily I have still been in squads, still been on the bench and have just been unfortunate that Patryk (Klimala) got the nod but I got the nod on Sunday and managed to make an impact so hopefully it’s my turn now.”
There is no doubt of the talent that Griffiths possesses and he has proved that over the years with his goal-scoring record.
In the last few years, he has had some issues but after last season he seemed to be on his way back to a full return, back to his best for Celtic.
This pandemic obviously didn’t come at a great time for anyone but it definitely didn’t or Griffiths who could have really kicked on last season, going into a game at Ibrox before the season was postponed.
Hopefully, after yesterday’s goal, he can kick on once again and get back closer to full form because he is a great option for Neil Lennon to have.
