Griffiths could make debut

LEIGH GRIFFITHS is bidding to make his Celtic debut against A berdeen in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon revealed full-back A dam Matthews (calf) was “touch and go” while James Forrest is a “major doubt”.

Long-term absentees Mikael Lustig (hip), Beram Kayal (foot) and Steven Mouyokolo ( achilles) remain out.

A t the pre-match conference, manager Lennon also expressed bafflement at his villain status and insisted he had done nothing to warrant the litany of abuse he has suffered.

Police are investigating the latest attack after missiles flew past his head as he watched the League Cup semi-final between A berdeen and St Johnstone at Tynecastle last Saturday.

The former Northern Ireland international said: “I don’t need it. I’m not happy with some of the stuff that has come out regarding myself in terms of journalists saying: ‘He attracts it, it’s his controversial, confrontational nature’.

“For me, that’s very irresponsible. I am no more confrontational than any other manager in the SPFL.

“You cannot have people throw coins at you when you are sitting there trying to do your job and yet some people in the back of their minds think it’s my fault.”

Lennon hopes the incident does not lead to any hostility when Derek McInnes brings his team to Parkhead in the lunchtime kick-off today.

“I don’t think it’s fair on A berdeen,” he said. “I have a great relationship with A berdeen, we do as a club.

“I get on very well with Derek, I have tremendous respect for him.”

Celtic yesterday reported pre-tax six-month profits of £21.3 million.

SNS. Leigh Griffiths.