Former Celtic star Murdo MacLeod has recently discussed the possibility of Leigh Griffiths starting in the upcoming Old Firm derby.
The latest episode of the Celtic Huddle podcast recently came out and the panel talked about numerous issues involving the Hoops. One topic of discussion was the Old Firm and whether Griffiths should start in the game.
MacLeod believes that the Scotsman should be on the bench as the striker hasn’t been doing great in training and since he has scored while coming off the bench, he should remain on the bench for the Old Firm too.
Should Griffiths start in the Old Firm?
Yes
No
Neil Lennon had criticised Griffiths for a lack of fitness earlier in the campaign. In pre-season, Griffiths had turned up for training in an overweight condition and he was left behind when the squad flew to France.
Asked whether Odsonne Edouard should make way for Griffiths from the off this weekend, MacLeod stated: “I don’t think so. From what you hear in the background that he’s not been doing enough in training, he’s not been at it – he’s been coming on in games and scoring goals. That’s fine, so he can be on the bench at Ibrox and then come on.
“Starting a game, if he’s not scoring in the first half or ten minutes into the second half, then he’s getting the hook, he’s off, that’s it. I still think if you’re looking for Griffiths to give you something, it’s when he comes on the pitch as a sub.”
TIF Thoughts on Griffiths…
Griffiths, who is valued at £1.35m, has scored a total of five Premiership goals this season, with his most recent goal coming against Aberdeen. He had come on from the bench in that game to make it 1-1. Earlier in the campaign, he had come on from the bench to score against the Dons as well as St. Johnstone back in October (as per Transfermarkt).
While this shows that he does have a good record while coming off the bench, he has also scored some goals while starting. Because of that, it might not be a bad option to start him in the Old Firm, especially considering his impressive record against the Gers.
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