Strachan jumps to defence of Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths has come under fire in recent weeks for issues ranging from his weight to his attitude, but ex-Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has leapt to the defence of the 28-year-old.

After withdrawing from the Scotland squad for matches against Israel and Portugal, Griffiths drew further criticism from sections of the media.

Quoted by the Daily Record, Strachan said:

Some people have suggested that Leigh Griffiths’ decision to pull out of the Scotland squad was some kind of sulk about not being picked in the previous matches.

But the person I dealt with and know? I can’t see it, I really can’t.

Yes, he’s a quirky character, but he was never a problem at any time. Not one problem whatsoever, and I think every manager who has ever worked with Griff will say that.

He can make you laugh, he can make you scratch your head, he can make you question what’s normal – but, whatever was happening in his life, when he was on the training field, he was first class, and great company.

Taking charge of Griffiths as Scotland manager, Strachan will have an intimate knowledge of what it’s like to manage the striker.

With four goals in 14 appearances so far this season, Griffiths will be hoping he can step up to fill the void left by Moussa Dembele at Celtic Park.