I’m only one behind Lisbon Lion Bobby in Euro scoring charts but I’ll never catch Henrik.. even if I fire Celtic into the last 32
EUROPA CRUNCH NIGHT SAYS LEIGH GRIFFITHS
LEIGH GRIFFITHS started Celtic’s Europa League campaign with a bang and has vowed to make sure it doesn’t end with a whimper.
The Hoops hitman set the ball rolling against Rosenborg in September with the late winner that got the Parkhead men their first three points of the section.
It would round things off nicely if Griffiths was the hero who carried Celtic over the line against Red Bull Salzburg tomorrow with the Hoops only needing a point to progress.
For two reasons the 28-year-old would love to hit the goal trail and he makes no effort to hide the fact that – as a typical poacher – one is for selfish purposes.
Of course the overarching reason to score is to make sure the team reach the last 32 BY IAIN MACFARLANE for the second year on the trot. But Griffiths lives for smashing records and he has his sights set on Celtic’s European scorers list having edged into the top five this term.
His strike against Rosenborg on matchday one was his 13th Euro goal since joining the club in January 2014.
That takes him into fifth spot on the goal chart alongside Lisbon Lions Stevie Chalmers and Willie Wallace.
Griffiths is now just one shy of Bobby Lennox and three back from Chris Sutton and Jimmy Johnstone.
And while he admits ever catching up with 35-goal Henrik Larsson is a pipe dream, he’s willing to aim high and see where it takes him and his team. Griffiths said: “I don’t go searching for them (records) myself but people put it online – especially on Twitter.
“They say you’re close to this or that record so I’ll have a quick glance and, if I’m up there, I’ll take pride in it.
“I’ve still got a long way to go so I’ll add to those totals.
“There’s prestige attached to European goals and when you look at the list and see you’re close to a certain player you want to emulate them.
“I know Henrik has scored more than anyone else and if I could get half as many as he did then I’ll be doing well.
“Getting 100 goals for the club was a real milestone and my next target is to see how close I can get to 200.
“It’s nice to have scored 104 so far and having signed that new four-year contract, I’ve been given the chance to add to that total.
“It doesn’t matter which competition you’re scoring in as long as you’re doing your job – that’s the main thing.”
Griffiths raised the roof at Parkhead in September when he climbed off the bench to score the winner against Rosenborg with three minutes left on the clock.
It was a stunning header and the celebration was just as memorable.
The striker smiles now as he recalls the “That’s why I’m number one” rant that followed the winner.
The goal released pent-up frustration as the striker answered questions about his ability to shine following the sale of Moussa Dembele to Lyon.
The frontman seems to be at his best when doubted and he has to come out fighting.
And as he battles with Odsonne Edouard to start games, he’s ready for another fight to prove he’s worthy of inclusion.
Griffiths said: “I like proving people wrong.
“There were a lot of people who didn’t think I’d be able to cut it here and that I would be away the first chance the manager got.
“But I’ve been here for a long time now and the fact he just gave me a four-year deal shows he has faith in me.
“So I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone now,