Neil: Griff can save Celts £6m
BY MICHAEL GANNON NEIL LENNON is convinced getting Leigh Griffiths back firing will be like landing a £6million striker on a free.
But the Celtic boss has also told the hitman it’s time for him to start repaying the club’s faith.
Griffiths hasn’t kicked a ball since December after taking time out to deal with personal issues.
The Scotland star was back in training before the end of the season and is aiming to hit the ground running when the squad reports for pre-season on June 17.
Lennon will not rush the frontman but is looking forward to having the 28-year-old on board as the Hoops go chasing nine titles in a row.
The Parkhead gaffer signed Griff from Wolves in January 2014 for £1.5m and he went on to blast 104 goals in 201 appearances.
Lennon said: “It will be like a new signing.
“He’ll need to get up to speed with his conditioning. He’s working hard and we’ll see where he is.
“We could have a £6m striker on our hands for nothing. He’s missed the last six months and he’ll need to knuckle down but he’ll have our full support.
“He has had the club’s support throughout this so it’s payback time for Leigh.
“He’s good at what he does. He scores goals and we want to see him back doing what he does best.”
Lennon is targeting several signings to bolster the squad after landing the manager’s job on a permanent basis.
But he insisted the door is also open to the club’s youngsters as the boss is keen for the next generation to follow in the footsteps of academy stars such as Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney.
Lennon handed Mikey Johnston a starting spot in the Scottish Cup Final win against Hearts and also chucked in 16-year-old sensation Karamoko Dembele in the final league game of the season against the Jambos.
He said: “I am excited about them. Dembele lit the place up the other week. He is very important to the club, as are the likes of Euan Henderson.
“Michael Johnston played in the Cup Final and that will be a huge shot in the arm for him.
“It’s important to bring players through from the academy. It’s vital we develop our own.”