Is it time to cut Leigh Griffiths loose?
Striker's off field antics continue to cause consternation with the club and fans alike.
Leigh Griffiths is once again in the newspapers for all the wrong reasons, just over two weeks ago the Celtic and Scotland striker was warned by manager Neil Lennon to knuckle down and sort himself out over his conduct, but how many chances will Griffiths be given before he is cut loose?
After returning to training following lockdown overweight, Griffiths was read the riot act by Neil Lennon and told to buck up his ideas after being left out of the club’s pre-season friendly games over in France. And despite an initial result seeing Griffiths step up his training regime, the 29 year old has once again hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
On the day that news broke from Pittodrie that two players had tested positive for COVID-19 and six others told to self-isolate after breaching Scottish Government regulations when they went out on the ran dan, Griffiths held a surprise birthday party for his partner.
Whether it was a small infraction or not, it is another example of Griffiths failing to adhere to the club’s protocols and doing what he wants when he wants - and while it wouldn’t seem to be a huge issue - we have already seen the impact that the Dons have faced with losing eight of their players for their games against Hamilton Accies and Celtic - despite being given a lifeline against St.Johnstone.
Celtic have confirmed they have spoken to Griffiths about his latest off field indiscretion, a spokesperson said: “We’re aware of it and he has been reminded of his responsibilities”.
With Celtic closing in on the signing of West Ham and Swiss striker Albian Ajeti on a season long loan deal with an option to buy, and the initial resurgence of Patryck Klimala, Griffiths will almost certainly fall down the pecking order at Celtic and if he does not sort himself out then he will almost certainly see the exit door at Celtic beckoning sooner rather than later - whether he likes it or not.
There’s only so many chances one player can be given before he is seen as a liability and a hindrance to the team. Time for him to knuckle down and prove himself to Neil Lennon and Celtic once more.
Is this the last chance saloon for Griffiths?
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