Alex Jones 
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Pundit Alan Hutton has confessed his admiration for Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths and insists he should feature in Celtic’s clash with FC Midtjylland in the Champions League tonight.
Reports from the Scottish Sun yesterday claimed that the Hoops hitman was unavailable due to injury, with Ange Postecoglou confirming his lack of squad availability.
Griffiths, who was booed by fans during a cameo in Celtic’s 6-2 home thrashing in a friendly with West Ham, has failed to travel with the squad to Denmark as a result.
He reportedly picked up a recurring calf injury in training that has enforced his absence. Although minor, the strain is deemed notable enough to place a dent in Ange Postecoglou’s selection plans.
The Australian admitted his absence is ‘disappointing’, with Albian Ajeti coming into the squad as a result.
Celtic go into the away leg in Denmark desperately needing to right the wrongs of a cagey 1-1 draw on home soil, with positive and dominant play coming unstuck following a misjudged free kick from Midtjylland attacker Evander.
Ex-Rangers man Hutton admitted how highly he rates Griffiths and spoke to Football Insider on the implications, claiming the Bhoys have lost out on a key asset:
“I’m a huge fan of his,” Hutton said.
“I like what he does, he can come up with a little bit of magic. Celtic need him.
“I would have had him in the Scotland squad just for that fact. He can give you something a little bit different.
“If I’m looking at the Celtic squad, if Griffiths is fit and his head’s right, why would you not have him involved?
“That’s my opinion on the matter. They are thin on that front.
“If he’s fit and available and everyone is happy, Postecoglou should use him.
“He can score goals and they need experienced players in that game against FC Midtjylland.”
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Able to feature as a striker or on the wing, Griffiths represents a utility forward option that boasts plenty of experience in Celtic colours.
Odsonne Edouard continues to be trusted by Ange Postecoglou in friendlies and started in the 1-1 Champions League draw, though Premier League clubs Brighton and arch-rivals Crystal Palace are reportedly set to swoop for the marksman after the second leg of the qualifying round.
That would leave just Griffiths and Albian Ajeti as the club’s striking options, underlining the potentially dwindling depth up front at the club.
In that view, Celtic are only insured in the short-term; an Edouard sale and a Griffiths injury could leave the Bhoys in a striking limbo.
