Hoops forward has platform to become cult hero Birthday Bhoy Leigh has come of age at Celtic Park
CELEBRATING his 27th birthday tomorrow, Leigh Griffiths will acknowledge he’s no spring chicken. It seems an eternity ago that he made his debut for Livingston as a 16-year-old boy a flurry of goals eventually earning him a move to Dundee three years later.
The 11 years have not been the easiest for a player doubters love to knock. Griffiths has been written off more than the Evening Times editorial milk float, detractors questioning the dedication and application of the former Wolverhampton man during various points. Particularly in his most recent chapter as a Celtic and Scotland player.
Frozen out by Ronny Deila, he came back to make goalscoring history in green and white. With the dark blue of his country across his chest, he silenced those south of the border who dared question his ability as he rocketed two free-kicks in against England at Hampden.
At 27, Griffiths has proven himself to be the Turnaround King. Yet, his latest act of brilliance perhaps shows more than any other that the birthday Bhoy has come of age as a quality striker with the pedigree of a prize Crufts champion.
During a simply stunning 90 minutes at Celtic Park on Wednesday against Astana, it says a lot about the man who looked set to be punted on a loan spell at Hibs only a few seasons ago that he was by far and away the man-of-the-match in what was a 5-0 rout in a Champions League play-off.
He claimed assists, he was cruelly robbed of a goal at the end as Uefa ruled as Igor Shitov got the all-important touch on his shot to make it five.
Yet, nothing will take away the impact and credibility that is finally building around Griffiths outside of Scotland.
In the BT Sport studio Steven Gerrard and Gary Lineker were falling over themselves to praise the former Hibee on a tremendous night for the Leith lad.
One which you just couldn’t have pictured during the early Deila days or even at some points when he was lost in Moussa Dembele’s shadow last season.
IBoth Deila and Brendan Rodgers have spoken about the need for him him to become a 24/7 professional. The mes- sage appears to have finally got through. Only this week it emerged Griffiths has his own personal chef. Not a Tunnock’s Teacake in sight...
At 27, and under contract for another four years, Griffiths is entering the most important few seasons yet. They are career-defining.
While lauded as a hero among the Celtic support, his impact against England and Astana has propelled the striker to an even higher platform to be showcased upon.
The almost inevitable group stage of the Champions League will provide the biggest spotlight of all for him to dazzle upon.
As has always been the case for Griffiths, though, he is in total control of his own destiny. Unlike his birthday presents he will open tomorrow, little has come giftwrapped to the forward. It was him who turned things around when he looked set for the Celtic sidelines.
With Dembele injured until September, it’s in his hands – or feet – to make it almost impossible for the Frenchman to get back in the Celtic team.
Griffiths has the opportunity to make himself a cult hero at Celtic, or impress clubs in the so-called biggest league in the world if that is where he eventually sees himself.
Whatever his heart desires as he blows out his 27 candles tomorrow, you’d not bet against him achieving it. AND ANOTHER THING...
The whole of Scottish football was sad to hear the news during the week that Jimmy Calderwood is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
It was only a month ago I last spoke to Jimmy to get his thoughts on Aberdeen’s potential European run and as ever he was more than happy to help with a fair dollop of insight.
His achievements as a manager in Scottish football never got the credit they deserved in my opinion.
Think back to drawing 2-2 with Bayern Munich at Pittodrie, or even performing miracles at Kilmarnock to keep the Rugby Park club in the top flight.
Now he’s facing a different battle altogether but one he is going up against with his usual character and spirit. It goes without saying our wishes and support are with him. FORMER Barcelona captain and coach Pep Guardiola has spoken of his sorrow following Thursday’s terrorist attack in his home city.
Fourteen people died and dozens were injured when two vehicles ploughed into pedestrians in Barcelona’s busy tourist area of Las Ramblas and the nearby seaside town of Cambrils.
Guardiola is now manager at Manchester City but he remains synonymous with Barcelona, having enjoyed a glittering playing and coaching career at the Nou Camp.
Speaking at a press conference in Manchester, the 46-year-old said: “Obviously I am affected by what happened. Las Ramblas is an important place in the history of Barcelona.
“My thoughts are for the families and victims of the tragedy. I am sure the city and country will stand up and move on. I just wish it doesn’t happen again in Barcelona or in the whole world.”
Barcelona’s players and coaching staff held a minute’s silence before training on Friday in tribute to the victims of the atrocity.
Barca tweeted a short video of their tribute, during which their personnel stood in a semi-circle on the training field, along with the TotsSomBarcelona (we are all Barcelona) hashtag.
The club had already confirmed that players of all their teams would wear black armbands during games this weekend – the senior side begin their La Liga campaign against Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday – while a minute’s silence will be held at matches across Spain.
Barcelona-based Espanyol also published photographs of their squad linking arms in a circle to pay their respects.
Spanish and European champions Real Madrid tweeted a picture of their first-team squad holding a minute’s silence at their training base, with the likes of newly-promoted Catalan club Girona, Granada, Levante and Real Mallorca posting similar images of their players and staff.