There may have been some doubt about Leigh Griffiths‘ future not too long ago. Regular appearances on the bench fed publications the opportunity to throw the striker right into the rumor mill.
Nobody can really figure out what the relationship is like between Brendan Rodgers and Griffiths. Yet, the manager still trusts the 27-year-old in the most critical of moments.
Partick Thistle gave Celtic a bit of concern early on as Conor Sammon knocked home the opening penalty kick. After a Scott Sinclair goal though, Griffiths came in clutch by making plays on the Partick defense, while sending in the game-winning goal for the Bhoys.
Leigh still was on the bench for the recent fixture. His impact was felt as soon as he was brought on, and Griffiths continued the sublime play right until the final whistle.
Being with the Glasgow side since 2014 and making 81 appearances domestically, it seems crazy to think that the Scot would leave just because of playing time. Griffiths is loyal to Celtic as he indicated to The National.
It’s worth noting that the striker has even set a very reachable goal for himself with the Hoops, too.
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"“I don’t want to leave here,” Griffiths said. “It’s a massive club and I love playing for this club. I am focusing on trying to hit that 100-goal mark and won’t be going anywhere.“There’s been a lot of strikers who have came and went, but I’m still here. It seems I’ve been here longer than I have.“But I love this club and don’t want to leave. The quicker I hit that 100-goal mark the better.“Of course, it’s frustrating not playing but you can understand the gaffer going with the same team as Saturday, because we played very well."
The months of rumors submerged around Griffiths just got sent into the abyss by one sentence. Benching isn’t preferred by any player in the world, but Griffiths realizes that Rodgers is doing what’s best for his club.
At the moment, the Edinburgh native sits at 71 goals. The total is very impressive, and at his prime age, 100 goals seems like a guarantee to surpass.
In the Partick game, Rodgers elected to use youngster Odsonne Edouard as the lone striker. It can’t be too long before we see Griffiths earning regular minutes again, and fans will surely see him make history with Celtic as well.
Next: Celtic survive scare at Partick
Happy to have Griffiths at Celtic? Will he get starting time soon? How long will it take the striker to reach the 100-goal target? Let us know in the comments section below.