LEIGH’S FRUSTRATION COULD BE ADDING TO HIS CURRENT TROUBLES, SAYS DAVIDSON

MURRAY Davidson believes that acute frustration may be getting the better of former Livingston team-mate Leigh Griffiths as he struggles to win favour with Brendan Rodgers.

The Celtic manager questioned the striker’s fitness and dedication last week as it emerged a calf injury would prevent him from featuring against Hearts and Aberdeen.

Griffiths (right) had been playing second fiddle to Moussa Dembele for much of the season before Rodgers offered the public rebuke of the Scotland forward’s approach to his career.

Griffiths was only a 75th-minute substitute when today’s hosts St Johnstone lost 1-0 at Parkhead 10 days ago.

He last scored on Christmas Eve against Hamilton before being withdrawn hurt at half-time.

Saints midfielder Davidson said: ‘When I spoke to him, I think he’s had a wee calf problem, which probably hasn’t helped. Since I’ve known him all these years, he’s hardly had an injury. ‘I can’t remember him missing games. He’s obviously frustrated. ‘Dembele has come in and been excellent. ‘At times, especially at a club like Celtic, you’ve got to be patient. ‘He just wants to play football. And, knowing him, all he wants to do is score.

‘So I think a part of it will definitely be frustration.

‘If he gets back in the team, I’ve no doubt he’ll have a positive impact. I’d be glad if he didn’t play on Sunday because I know what he’s capable of.

‘Leigh is a lovely guy who doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. He maybe gets misunderstood because he put himself in positions that he maybe shouldn’t have when he was younger.

‘In the last 18 months, he seems to have gotten away from all that. Maybe it’s a warning to give him a wee jolt.’