JOHN Kennedy has insisted that Leigh Griffiths is still one of Scotland’s best goalscorers - and can force his way into the Scotland squad for the Euro 2020 finals if he performs well in the final games of the season.
Griffiths came off the bench to score an injury-time equaliser for Celtic against Aberdeen at Pittodrie last night and earn the Parkhead club a draw and a point.
It was the first time the 22-times capped 30-year-old had been on target in nearly three months – and he missed out on the Qatar 2022 qualifying triple header against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands in March.
However, interim manager Kennedy is convinced he can earn a recall to the national squad in the coming weeks if he keeps on netting.
"It's good for Leigh to get that goal,” he said. "It was a great ball from Moi (Elyounoussi) and a good header to finish it from Leigh. He has put himself in contention to start games. He's goal hungry as always. Leigh is training well.
"Can he make the Euros squad? It comes down to form and how Steve (Scotland manager Clarke) sees it. He has a few strikers to choose from now, but Leight just has to put himself in contention. That goal is what Leigh is all about - getting half a yard in the penalty box and finishing."
Kennedy added: "Leigh is fit. He trains every day. He hasn't had many starts, but he's fit. That will be Steve's decision and he has added extra strikers like Che Adams.
"So Steve does have a decision to make, but all Leigh can do is make himself available. Leigh is up there with Scotland's best goalscorers.
"He had the issue when we came back for pre-season and his fitness wasn't what it should have been. That took a bit of time for him to get going but I have had no issues with Leigh in terms of how he works.
"We don't always play with two strikers, so that doesn't always help him. But Leigh is what he is. He is a great individual for us and when we need a goal, he gets you it. We want him fit and well, and in contention to start games, and that is where he is.
"The Euros does help us in terms of personal motivation - but there is always something to play for at Celtic.”
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