Ross considers Hibs return for Griffiths

Hibs manager Jack Ross has said he might be interested in handing Leigh Griffiths an Easter Road return this summer, should he become available.

But the Leith boss admits he still has no idea whether the Celtic and Scotland striker will even be up for grabs.

The 30-year-old has cut a frustrated figure this season as the Hoops’ bid for 10-in-a-row crumbled.

Griffiths has struck just seven goals in 28 appearances for club and country this term, leaving both his future at Parkhead and a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland Euro 2020 squad in doubt.

Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass is reportedly keen on offering him the chance to kick-start his career at Pittodrie, having also lured Celtic skipper Scott Brown north ahead of next season. Now Ross has revealed he would be eager to offer Griffiths a third stint with his boyhood heroes following back-to-back loan spells between 2011 and 2013.

“First of all, he’s not as of yet a player that will be available,” said the cautious Hibs boss. “He’s still contracted to Celtic and there’s nothing to say he won’t be as things stand.

“I think it’s an easy connection to make because of his previous time at the club and his association with Hibs.

“Is he a player that we have admiration for? Of course, because his goalscoring record will be up there with the best.

“Should the opportunity arise, it would be something we’d discuss.”

Hibs are due at Stranraer today in the Scottish Cup.

Third stint at Hibs could happen for Leigh Griffiths.