ECK WARNING TO GRIFFITHS

FROM BACK PAGE but it is his personal decision. It is entirely up to Leigh to see what happens in the future.

“There are no guarantees. He knows that. That is how I left it.”

McLeish revealed Griffiths had come to his decision during the weekend.

He added: “I had a conversation with him at the weekend. He feels he determined to do it. Let’s see what happens.

“I have said there are no guarantees here.

“We are looking for top performances from the guys we have in the current squad.

“Everybody here wants to play for Scotland in these games.

“If we can get positive results then it just increases the confidence levels and it also empowers the players.

“They have the evidence. They start getting a run of results.”

McLeish is still weighing up whether to draft in a replacement for Griffiths but Swansea frontman Oli McBurnie will be one player keen to take full advantage.

Griffiths, who has scored four international goals in 19 appearances, started Celtic’s 6-0 thrashing of St Johnstone on Sunday.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet and was replaced by Scott Sinclair after 61 minutes.

A statement released by Griffiths yesterday said: “I feel I need to focus on my fitness over this international period and get back into the best possible shape.

“I had a good discussion with the manager to explain my decision.

“It’s not a decision I have made lightly.

“It means a lot to me to play for Scotland and I still hope to be a part of Alex’s plans again in future if selected.

“My aim is to be back to my best and to be available for selection for both club and country.”