‘Every club in Scotland will be offering Griffiths a seat’

LIVINGSTON defender Declan Gallagher has welcomed the Lions’ message of support to former favourite Leigh Griffiths – and believes the sentiment will be echoed across Scotland.

Griffiths, 28, started his career with the West Lothian outfit, scoring 24 goals for the club as his undoubted promise shone as a fresh-faced teenager. After it was confirmed Griffiths would be stepping away from the sport for a period due to off-thefield issues, Livi tweeted: “Take the time you need to get back to a happier place @ Leighgriff09 [Griffiths] – there’s always a seat with your name on it here.”

Pictures of a bleachedblonde Griffiths still adorn the walls at Almondvale, and another of Gallagher’s former clubs, Dundee.

“Even as a youngster, he was a massive player for Livingston and is really highly thought of,” said Gallagher. “He was a huge influence on this club and it was nice to see that Tweet go out.

“I think Leigh had that impact wherever he went and I think every club in Scotland will be offering him a seat.

“I played for Dundee as well and there were pictures of him all over the walls, for all the things he did there and the big moments he was a part of.

“He is a top, top player and I’m sure he will be missed by Celtic and Scotland but there are more important things than football.”