LEIGH-VE IT OUT

Rodgers tells Griffiths to scrap self-centred celebrations for Celts

BRENDAN Rodgers has ordered his No.9 to stop telling everyone he’s Celtic’s No.1.

The Parkhead boss demanded Leigh Griffiths curtail a goal salute that was in danger of overlooking the team for a celebration of the self.

The Scotland hitman netted a vital Europa League winner against Rosenborg eight days ago then ran to the main stand and gestured he’s the top man in the side.

Rodgers says he loves his frontman to bits but, asked about the ‘No.1’ gesture, the boss replied: “I spoke to Leigh on that. He doesn’t need to do that – and he didn’t do it the other night.”

Griffiths came to the rescue again in the Betfred Cup quarter-final at St Johnstone in midweek.

“He had about five other things he did instead. I was watching him. When he scored he pointed to his shirt, he made a heart, he blew a kiss and he gave me a hug, so he got them all in one go.

“I can understand the first time he did it, which was the result of a bit of frustration, with everything – Celtic, Scotland, personal life.

“But no, it’s about humility. It’s not about one person. This team is very much about the collec- tive and he knows that. I understand at times there’s a bit of frustration but I maintain he’s a good boy and when his focus is right on it consistently he will always score goals.

“Leigh’s fine with the chat. It was just in general. You have to remind players now and again but it was nothing serious.

“We have a really good relationship. There is always a bit of tough love in there from time to time.”

Celtic take on Aberdeen today and after 12 games played between them, only five league matches have been won so far by the teams who finished first and second last season.

They sit mid-table, six and seven points respectively off pacesetters Hearts, but Rodgers is unperturbed at this stage as his side bids for eight titles in a row.

He added: “It is such a long campaign and there is a long way to go.

“The most important thing is where we finish in May but this will be a decent game between two good clubs with good squads.”

Celtic will be without central defenders Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic and Filip Benkovic but Dedryck Boyata is available despite his red card against Saints.