Troubled Celtic ace Griffiths in rehab
Celtic striker leigh Griffiths has been referred for professional assessment and rehabilitation after struggling with ‘ongoing issues’ off the field.
Manager Brendan Rodgers last night told Griffiths to forget about football and seek help battling his demons.
Rumours of a gambling addiction have dogged the 28-year- old for some time. While refusing to divulge the precise nature of the Scotland striker’s problems, Rodgers admitted recent incidents had brought wider concerns over the player’s mental health to a head.
the loss of Griffiths, who scored two stunning free- kicks in Scotland’s 2-2 draw against england in their World cup qualifier in June 2017, leaves celtic with only one fit striker as they seek a point to reach the last 32 of the europa league against RB Salzburg at home tonight.
insisting football comes second to the father- of-five’s health and welfare, however, Rodgers said: ‘leigh is struggling and the best thing we feel is for him to get better. Yes, it leaves us short but that is irrelevant. these are our values.
‘it is always the player and the person’s welfare. that is what is most important. We are getting a professional assessment and once we get a comprehensive report we will have an idea of the path we want him to go on. He is coming out of that football environment and as a club we will look to do everything we can to help.
‘Most important is that he is the father of five children and it’s just giving him enough time to make himself right and feel good and better. What’s most important is leigh’s welfare. Football is irrelevant if he is struggling in other areas.
‘there have been lots of issues around leigh and we want to support him and help him professionally. So i am happy that at least for him it will be a huge relief. it is probably a huge burden lifted from him and now he can look at starting on a road that can allow him to find happiness.’
Rodgers has tried both carrot and stick to get the striker firing on all cylinders, but admitted: ‘You need to be able to be at your happiest and your most focused in order to come in every day and push and be your best.’
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard shrugged off not being able to train on Rapid Vienna’s pitch ahead of tonight’s europa league last-32 decider.
the Austrian side’s pitch has become rutted and Rangers, who must win to make the knockout stages, were forced to use a practice pitch for their training session. Gerrard said: ‘We have to adapt. i don’t see it as a big problem. it doesn’t change our focus.’