Griffiths backed to make Celtic return before the end of the season

Leigh Griffiths could make his long-awaited Celtic return before the end of the season, that’s according to former Hoops star Kris Commons.

Writing for the Daily Mail, as cited on Football Scotland, Commons explains that the striker could still play a part in the club’s title bid this season.

Don’t be surprised if Leigh Griffiths fights his way back and plays a key part in Celtic’s run-in towards the end of the season. It’s my understanding that Griffiths is close to making his return following some off-field personal difficulties.

He feels like he’s in a much better place mentally and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch and contributing.

Griffiths has been absent from the first-team squad for some time now, with the player taking a break from the game on mental health grounds.

The striker was given time off by former manager Brendan Rodgers back towards the end of 2018 and the club are yet to put a time frame on his return to action.

Commons appears to hint at the player’s improved relationship with Neil Lennon being a key factor in his imminent return.

Neil Lennon certainly won’t rush him back – and nor should he. You can’t rush these things when someone has been having off-field problems. Lennon, let’s not forget, was the man who signed Griffiths for Celtic in 2014.

He’ll put an arm round him and give him all the time he needs. From what I’m hearing, Lennon has spoken more to Griffiths over the past week than Brendan Rodgers did during the past two months.

Having Griffiths around the first-team squad will no doubt come as a huge boost to the club and Lennon, as the Hoops go in search of the Treble Treble.