I know what Leigh’s going through but there IS light at end of the tunnel GILLESPIE EMPATHY WITH TROUBLED GRIFF

KEITH GILLESPIE has been at the bottom of the well, deep in the darkness but eventually found the light.

The former Manchester United and Newcastle star knows he is one of football’s greatest warning stories.

He admitted it himself in his blockbuster book, How Not to be a Football Millionaire, about his tales of gambling, depression and occasional debauchery.

Gillespie (inset) found a road back and it’s that positive message he has for Leigh Griffiths as the Celtic man looks to plot his return from a dark place.

Griffiths is taking time out to sort out his mental health after struggling with a number of problems, some rumoured to be gambling related. The man himself issued a vigorous denial of that though after being snapped at Newcastle races at the weekend.

Gillespie at one time was on £1,200 a week but lost 47 grand in one afternoon on the horses before lobbing another £15,000 down the drain 24 hours later. He said: “I can relate to Leigh, wery much so. It’s good

Celtic are offering him as much help as they can.

“It can be a lonely place at times and it’s important to have people around who want to help.

“He has to want help as well. You need to be very honest with yourself and recognise you have a problem. Admitting it is half the battle.

“Things have moved on in the game since my time. There wasn’t much support back then but it’s good he’s getting the help he needs.

“The good thing is there is a way back – of course there is. He’s not dying. There are a good few who have been there and come through it.

“I’m sure it’s tough for him at the minute but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I hope he gets the help he needs and comes out the other side and gets back playing again.” Gillespie’s own experience is frightening. He said: “I’ve blown more than £7million which is obviously a huge amount but you might as well look back on it with fondness because I’ve lived out my dream.

“Things that have happened to me in my life, the bad stuff, has made me a stronger person because I’ve been able to deal with it.”

There’s a way back but it’s a long road when mental health is involved.

Gillespie, an 86-times capped Northern Ireland international, said: “I’ve seen a lot of players suffering from it. A few years ago it was a topic no one wanted to come out about but now it’s in focus and people can talk about it all of the time.

“That’s important because the mental health side is a problem in football.

“Neil Lennon has been very open and honest about his problems and if others can see someone with his profile talking then they might seek help themselves.”