Griffiths likely to miss cup final

but Lennon shot down wild claims that Celtic had lost patience with him and were ready to release him.

“Leigh is doing very well,” said Lennon. “He is in good shape now and we are hoping to get him on the grass next week.

“He has worked very hard and his behaviour away from the club since I came in has been impeccable. So he just has to ignore all the nonsense.

“We are human beings at the end of the day and it can hurt. Leigh is a strong character and he has been through a really tough time.

“The club and Leigh are doing all we can to get him back playing f ootball and doing what he does best.”

But Lennon confirmed Griffiths is unlikely to play again t his season with even t he Scottish Cup final on 25 May considered “too soon” for his involvement.