Griffiths hails Hoops’ character after dramatic late win in Perth

Celtic showed their character to shrug off recent criticism and reach the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup, according to matchwinner Leigh Griffiths.

The champions had come under fire after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock confirmed the Hoops’ worst start to a league season in 20 years.

Griffiths passed up three good chances in the quarter-final clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park but with seven minutes remaining he pounced from close range after a James Forrest header was blocked to fire in for a 1-0 win.

The 28-year-old, who has scored in three consecutive matches, said: “There’s been a lot of talk that there’s a divide in the camp but we want to show everyone that we’re still united and we’re moving together as one.

“Everyone loses games and the manner that we lost the game on Sunday wasn’t great.

“It’s about how we bounce back from bad results and the boys have that ability to do that and go and show why we’re a top team.

“We might not play the best football at times but we always show our character and we’ve bounced back with another clean sheet. We’re never going to batter teams six or seven-nil. If you ask the manager he’ll take 1-0 every week as long as we keep on winning.

“Sunday was a blip and St Johnstone lost as well so they wanted to come into this game and show what they’re all about.

“This is always a difficult place to come but we kept the ball really well. It’s all about the scoreline at the end of the day.

“You can have all the possession you want but you need to win games.”