Sky Sports pundit and former Celtic player Davie Provan have admitted he is still confused as to why interim manager John Kennedy did not use Leigh Griffiths in last week’s derby day defeat at Ibrox.
In last weekend’s 4-1 defeat, Kennedy brought on Ryan Christie, Ismaila Soro and Mikey Johnston, whilst leaving the 30-year old striker on the bench as an unused substitute.
Writing in his weekly column for Sun Sport, Provan expressed his confusion as to why Kennedy made that decision and left Griffiths on the bench as we chased goals to get back into the game.
“I’m still trying to figure out why Leigh Griffiths was on the Celtic team bus for last week’s Old Firm game.
“Celtic are two down after 57 minutes, desperately need a goal and Griffiths has scored in Celts’ last game at Pittodrie.
“Yet John Kennedy puts on Ismaila Soro, Ryan Christie and Mikey Johnston ahead of Griffiths?
“With Odsonne Edouard missing Celts’ Champions League qualifiers through Olympic duty, the Hoops will be well short of firepower unless they shell out major money. Binning Griff now makes no sense.”
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the Celtic frontman in recent weeks with his contract possibly coming to an end in the summer.
So some might have seen this move, to leave the former Hibs striker on the bench as an indication as to where his future lies if he cannot get on ahead of others.
With Celtic down to 10-men at an early stage in the game, some may suggest that is part of the reason why Kennedy chose to bring someone with more energy onto the field but at the same time, that player is one who has recently returned from injury.
To get to the bottom of that question though, the only man you could ask is John Kennedy himself.
Don’t understand why celtic have kept Kennedy,, biggest mistakes been keeping Griffiths our the team,, even a half fit Griffiths would show more interest and guts,,, the poor decisions have came from the top,, and when the ppl at the top make bad judgments,, the fans suffer