Derby clash just perfect for Griffiths

Former Celtic striker John Hartson has described Saturday’s Old Firm derby as “a Leigh Griffiths game” as he backed the forward to star against Rangers on his way to usurping him as the last Parkhead marksman to hit 100 goals.

The 26-year-old looks to be winning his battle for fitness ahead of the visit of Rangers after injury forced him to withdraw from international duty.

Hartson believes Griffiths’ importance to Brendan Rodgers’ side cannot be underestimated and praised the way he has developed – mentally and physically – to meet the demands of leading the line for Celtic.

It is a pressure Hartson knows well, having scored 109 goals in five years at Parkhead – and the expectations are never higher than when Glasgow’s great rivals collide.

“Big games like the weekend – that’s a ‘John Hartson game’ and that is a ‘Leigh Griffiths game’ now,” smiled Hartson.

“He rightly believes he is the main man. The way Leigh has taken on that responsibility and has scored goals – becoming the match-winner – is terrific. He has improved massively due to the demands of playing for Celtic.

“He has 74 goals ... i keep an eye on that because I am the last player to score 100! You look at Leigh, 40 goals last season, so if he stays fit and playing then I wouldn’t have thought breaking 100 goals this season would be a problem.”