Celts like Griffiths just the way he is
Leigh Griffiths might not be every manager’s idea of a model professional, but Ryan Christie insists his Celtic team-mates like him just the way he is. The Hoops striker has been on-form on the pitch, but continues to court controversy for his outspoken comments and off-field disciplinary issues.
“Griff wears his heart on his sleeve and sometimes people say that is a bad thing,” said Christie.
“Why that is, I don’t know. I think it’s just the way the game’s gone.
“Everyone is expected to be so robotic, and when someone shows some emotion, it’s frowned upon.
“Personally, I think you need emotion, especially in the Scottish game.
“There’s been a lot of that over the years, and it’s never really caused a problem.
“Now, though, it seems to be frowned upon a little bit, but I don’t think any of us have got a problem with the way he is right now.”
More to the point, Christie argues Griffiths’ sparky character is actually key to his success on the pitch.
He said: “There’s a big side of football that’s mental. You have to deal with a lot of stuff that people on the outside looking in don’t see.
“The pressures of having to perform week-in, week-out and still have that enjoyment.
“That real passion to go out on a Saturday and enjoy your football instead of being really nervous and panicking about making a mistake or just hoping you’re going to get a result.
“It can be easy to slip into that way of thinking, that nervousness, when there is so much riding on games these days and it’s such a highly-watched sport.
“But it’s a pressure you have to deal with. Sink or swim.”
And no matter what happens, the Scotland internationalist’s confidence always him to bounce back from any set-back.
“It comes down to confidence with Leigh. He’s so confident when he gets the chance he will score goals,” Christie continued.
“Another thing about him is he manages to handle the pressure of the big games as well. He steps up, which is a really good quality to have.”