GLORY HUNTER
Griffiths shoots down Dons — and then targets 30 goals for the season
LEIGH GRIFFITHS set his sights on at least 30 Celtic goals this season and the best campaign of his career after firing the champions to a pivotal title race victory over Aberdeen yesterday.
The prolific Scotland striker, who hit 28 for Hibernian three years ago, netted his first Ladbrokes Premiership double this term as Celtic scored a 3-1 victory.
Griffiths latched on to a fine Kieran Tierney cross to leap above the Aberdeen defence and give Celtic a 44th-minute lead.
His second-half penalty and a James Forrest goal rendered Adam Rooney’s late header a mere consolation as Ronny Deila’s side stretched their lead at the top to six points over Hearts.
And Griffiths then warned opponents that his relentless run will continue until he has broken personal records and beyond.
Gary Hooper and Scott McDonald reached 31 goals in one campaign in all competitions for Celtic within the last decade.
‘I am on 16 goals just now. The quicker I get to 20 the better and then I will be aiming towards 30,’ stated Griffiths.
‘I had set myself a target to get to 20 by January and, if I do that, I’ll be happy. I feel I can score in every game. It was a great performance and I am delighted with the two goals.
‘There are not many times I’ll beat Ash Taylor in the air. Sometimes I need a ladder to outjump him! It was great ball in from KT. I timed it well and directed it back across goal.’
The win completed a 12-point reversal of fortunes between the clubs in only six weeks.
Aberdeen had led the table by five after beating Hearts 3-1 on September 20.
When asked if yesterday’s success served as adequate revenge for the Dons dumping Celtic 2-1 at Pittodrie two months ago, Griffiths replied: ‘Yeah, it was nice.
‘For 75 minutes, we were very good. We were a bit sloppy in the last 15 and gifted them a goal. But I think if you had given us 3-1 before the game, we would have taken it.’