Celtic send double warning to Leigh Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths is in a bit of a hot spot just now which could leave him out in the cold at Celtic, the warning messages are there for him.

Leigh Griffiths would be very wise to continue to keep away from social media as he has been doing, but to keep reading and heeding the warning signs and messages from all the current Celtic activity.

Griffiths has had so many second chances before now that you have to wonder if he has used up all his luck now or still can learn, improve and perform effectively as a Celtic forward.

Warning message number 1 comes from the Celtic investigation into Griffiths not fully observing the sporting bubble rules for footballers. Griffiths organising and attending a birthday party for his girlfriend didn’t go down well at the club. Neil Lennon had indicated this was being looked into but seemed more likely to be a minor misdemeanour. It very probably is, but minor could have a whole new meaning post Bolingoli’s ridiculous trip. That could raise the ante on any punishment for Griffiths, we’ll have to wait and see. Either way the behaviour warning is very relevant.

Warning message number 2 comes from Celtic’s transfer activity so far.  In theory Bayo moving to Toulouse adds a gap for a striker and increases the need to retain Griffiths. In practice Bayo seemed so far down the pecking order for games that he was behind a fit Griffiths. He is also behind Klimala who is pressing hard to be our second position upfront after Edouard.

More worrying for Griffiths is the impending arrival of Ajeti combined with ongoing rumours of a further striker to come. Fletcher and Toney, amongst others, are still apparently being pursued.

The messages for Griffiths are about performance, fitness and behaviour. He needs to knuckle down and provide all 3 consistently, no mucking about, no distractions.

He showed good signs of that in pre season with his 30 mins of a match against Hibs. He can do it, he has before. The fans will support him with this if he puts the effort in again.