Lennon hails Griffiths after full fitness turnaround
NEIL LENNON praised the reaction of Leigh Griffiths to his fitness ultimatum yesterday after the striker reported for pre-season overweight.
The striker stayed behind as Celtic played three friendly games in France and his future at Parkhead looked in doubt but his manager insists he is now not far off the required condition for the start of the league season next weekend..
After Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Ross County in Glasgow, the Northern Irishman also confirmed Griffiths would play some sort of role in today’s second friendly in 24 hours at home to Hibs.
“While I gave him a bit of criticism, I’ve got nothing but praise for him today because he has got himself in great condition,” Lennon said.
“He probably needs a little bit of time in terms of his football. But in terms of what I’ve asked him to do in terms of conditioning, I am very happy with the condition he is in. So he will get some game time [against Hibs].
“It’s a great boost. He has got himself to a really good level and it’s important he maintains that because he will be an asset to us.
“It’s all down to him and he has to maintain that now, but it’s been a great response from him. Leigh can give us so much – goals, link-up play and game intelligence. We have to monitor him and see how he is because he hasn’t played for a long time. But he’s been training away while we were on the trips.”
Lennon watched his fullstrength side breeze past County but admits he wants to add to the playing squad. “I’m hoping to add to the squad,” he said. “There’s no question of that. Hopefully this week, we’ll see a couple of things coming through. We’ll see.”