LEIGH GRIFFITHS got very honest after the Scottish Cup final win on Sunday. When asked about his game time this season and general fitness the striker laid down the gauntlet to the Celtic manager. Leigh says he’s as fit as he’s going to get without regular game time.
The striker is adamant his fitness will rise the more his manager plays him.
However, it’s clear from Neil Lennon’s comments on Tuesday — the Irishman doesn’t see it that way.
Speaking ahead of the Ross County tie, Neil Lennon revealed he thinks the striker can do more to get fitter. Claiming there could be a difference of opinion there but he will use Leigh sparingly until he thinks he’s for enough to hit 90 minutes.
“Leigh’s a natural, a born goalscorer and he’s still a fantastic finisher.” Lennon told CelticTV.
“I want him to play, contribute, score more goals and get consistency in his fitness and performance levels.
“He has tunnel vision. He can be quite belligerent and he has great belief in himself.
“This isn’t him and I falling out over anything, but I think he can get fitter.
“Maybe he thinks he can get fitter by playing more of the games. But in between games or if he’s not playing as much, he can do a little bit more.
“He may disagree with that, but it’s just a difference of opinion, probably!
“Where can he get fitter? Both general conditioning and match fitness. I don’t know if he’s fit enough to do a full 90 minutes yet. That’s where I stand on it. He’s training every day, but I think he can push himself a little more.
“But he’ll play and add something to the games as we go along. He’s a huge asset.
“I want him fit and hungry, which he definitely is.a
“He’s a natural footballer and he’s a great personality to have around the place as well.”
Leigh scored the third goal of the day for Celtic at Hampden and also bagged a penalty. Having his striker instincts on the field is a huge asset but until the manager thinks he’s done enough in training, it looks as if the player will continue to play cameos.
