Kris Commons has claimed Leigh Griffiths is Scotland’s best striker “by a distance” but emphasised he pales in comparison with his national team predecessors.
Writing in the Daily Mail, the former Celtic playmaker insisted the Hoops 28-year-old must start for Alex McLeish’s side in their Nations League encounter against Albania on Monday night.
But Commons believes Griffiths is being held back by his long-standing fitness issues.
Commons told the Mail: “Leigh Griffiths isn’t fully-fit at the moment – but he still has to play. Other than him, what other goalscorers do we have?
“Back when I played, there was Kenny Miller, Kris Boyd and James McFadden who were all capable of popping up with a big goal.
“Prior to that, you had the generation with the likes of Ally McCoist and Mo Johnston. These guys were outstanding strikers. Now who do have?
“Griffiths is our best No9 by a distance, but he’s not a first-pick for Celtic and hasn’t been for a little while due to fitness issues and the form of others.”
OPINION
You understand Commons’ point, although it feels like something of a backhanded compliment for Griffiths. Is he really inferior to Miller, Boyd and McFadden? Pull the other one, Kris. If Griffiths could string a regular run of matches together, that trio wouldn’t be fit to lace his boots. He’s been a goal machine throughout his career, not just at dominant Celtic, but also Hibernian, Dundee, Livingston and English big guns Wolves. His Parkhead record of 100 goals from 192 appearances is far superior to anything Miller, fine player though he was at his peak, achieved although Boyd’s record brooks little argument. For club or country. Yet, there is a sense that Griffiths could do so much more. His movement, mobility, finishing and hammer of a left-foot are a brilliant combination, and he has a record of scoring in big matches. To fulfil his potential, Griffiths needs to stay on the park more often.