OPINION
Leigh Griffiths should hang his head in shame.
That is the only conclusion to be drawn after Alex McLeish revealed the Celtic striker blanked his recent call ahead of Scotland’s double header later this month.
Griffiths was fuming after McLeish axed him for Scotland’s recent 2-0 win over Albania and indicated he would stick by Steven Naismith, describing the manager’s remarks as “a kick in the teeth, not just for me but for all the strikers.”
Former Rangers boss McLeish has now publicly held out the olive branch to Griffiths as well as privately trying to offer reassurances to the 28-year-old.
McLeish named Griffiths and Hearts striker Naismith in a 23-man squad for the Israel trip on October 11 and the Hampden friendly with Portugal three days later.
“I haven’t spoke to Leigh since the last game. I tried to call him, but he blanked me,” the Scotland manager said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I’ll see him when he comes here. Something the Scottish public has been craving for years is a top striker, a top goalscorer. Hopefully, we’ve got two or three on the cusp.”
It is quite startling that Griffiths should ignore his national team manager’s call. It is rude, arrogant and immature conduct.
Why does he think he has the right to pick and choose whether to chat to McLeish? Sure, he might be angry at getting overlooked last month and his response for Celtic – he’s scored three goals in the last four matches – has been impressive.
Few Scottish observers would dispute that Griffiths is a mighty fine spearhead who is the best in the country.
But McLeish’s job is to pick the best team on the day and Scotland beat Albania to get their Nations League campaign up and running.
Griffiths might not agree with his boss, but refusing to speak to him is not the answer. Making his change his mind through performances is the only way.