Griffiths hits back at call-off doubters

McLeish’s plans for the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Griffiths pulled out of the October double-header with Israel and Portugal to focus on his fitness.

Asked if he had been brave to withdraw to get himself right, he said: “You could say it was brave.

“But a lot of people didn’t agree with that and I had to take the abuse I got on the chin.”

Illness and injury led to six weeks out before coming on as a sub to net in a 3-0 win at Hamilton 11 days ago.

He said: “It was unfortunate I was ill and injured at the same time.

“It is always difficult when people want to question it. Online, it is very difficult to bite your tongue.

“You just need to step back and try to ignore. But it is difficult when you are in the street and people ask questions, you just need to give the answer you’ve been saying all along.

“I have said time and again there is no bigger honour in football than representing your country and I am still the same.

“You hear a lot of people venting their opinions, saying I took the huff because I wasn’t going to be playing. It wasn’t like that at all.”

Victories over Albania and Israel saw McLeish’s side top their Nations League group a fortnight ago.

Griffiths said: “I texted him after they won the two games to get into the play-off and he quickly replied.

“There is no animosity at all and hopefully I am still in his plans.”