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over Alashkert. Whatever the obstacles, Griffiths believes recent experiences demonstrate he is part of a team capable of surmounting them.
“If we go through that one then we know that Rosenborg – if they get through – will be tough,” he said. “It seems like we always get thrown a difficult tie, whether it be the qualifying or the group stage.
“If it is so hot in Armenia, Broony [Scott Brown] will need the factor 50 on his head. But we will just need to adapt to the conditions. It is a twolegged affair so the first leg is important but we know that we are coming back to Celtic Park [the following midweek] and the crowd behind us always gives us a boost.
“It is difficult getting through three ties, let alone four. But as players we just need to take it on the chin and get on with the job in hand. In Scotland, we aren’t used to the intense heat but it is just about the performance on the night and sometimes it isn’t good enough. Thankfully nine times out of ten we get we get them back at Celtic Park and get the job done. Gibraltar [two years ago]
LEIGH GRIFFITHS would be up there for hardest conditions. I know no-one wants to remember that night [Celtic lost 1-0 to Lincoln Red Imps] but that was up there – the conditions, the heat, the pitch. Everything went against us. We have been to Kazakhstan, we have been to Israel and it is difficult conditions. But as players we just need to put in performances and get the job done.”
One job that Griffiths feels is close to being done is reaching agreement on a new contract. His current deal runs until 2021 but he is itching to commit himself further.
“We are inching further forward on that,” he said. “It’s getting closer and there’s not far to go. We are about 85 per cent done. There’s just a couple of tweaks needed and then it will be done. I see my best years at Celtic. I’d like to get to 100 goals. If I don’t get to that mark next season then I may as well quit football. I need two goals but it feels like I’ve not had the chance to get there but this season that lies ahead I’m sure I will get there.
“It wouldn’t be a weight off my mind as I’ve still got two and a bit years on my current deal. But the fact that they are even talking about a new contract gives me joy and delight that I am going to be here for basically the rest of my career. When it does get done and signed I will be delighted.”
Griffiths has been enjoying the World Cup, particularly the stupendous free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo which brought up his hat-trick in the epic 3-3 draw with Spain.
“He’s obviously been watchingmyfree-kicksonyoutube,” Griffiths offered in jest. Hearts have pulled out of a deal for Genoa winger David Milinkovic due to the player’s wage demands.
The Edinburgh side reached agreement with Milinkovic’s parent club in Italy and were hopeful of negotiating personal terms quickly.
However, the 24-yearold is looking for a salary well beyond Hearts’ financial capabilities and the deal now looks to be dead. Contract talks took place on Tuesday and yesterday morning before Tynecastle officials pulled the plug.
Chances of the deal being resurrected appear unlikely at this stage as Hearts are now ready to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Milinkovic is attracting interest from clubs in England, France and Italy after a productive loan period at Tynecastle Park last season. He had been keen to return but not on the terms Hearts could offer.
Hearts did complete one piece of business yesterday when they announced Australia international Oliver Bozanic as their ninth signing of the summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old midfielder has joined on a free transfer after leaving Melbourne City and has agreed a two-year deal.
Bozanic appeared for Australia during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, making two appearances, and has a wealth of experience during spells in England, Switzerland, Japan and his homeland.
Austrian defender Peter Haring is expected to become Hearts’ tenth summer signing and is likely to complete a move from SV Ried later in the week.
Bozanic, a central midfielder, is the third Australian to arrive at the club this summer, following Ryan Edwardsandbengaruccio through the doors at Tynecastle, and he is targeting trophies.
“I would love to win trophies, that’s why we play football and hopefully I can do that at this club,” he told Hearts TV.
“It was the pinnacle of my career to play in the World Cup. I hope to be back in the national team one day and I hope by coming here to Hearts, that can come true.”
“It was to do with my hip muscles blocking my full range of movement. The muscles that weren’t working properly are working properly now”