Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths hoping for Nadir Ciftci combination

Celtic Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftc

Share this story





Leigh Griffiths believes he and Nadir Ciftci can fire Celtic to the Champions League progress if they are allowed to play as a pair.

Boss Ronny Deila has often gone with one up front throughout his time at Parkhead, a theme that has continued this season with Griffiths so far getting the nod in the Scottish Premiership and Ciftci starting in the Champions League qualifiers due to a domestic ban.

It means the Norwegian coach will have a decision to make once both are available but neither will be keen to give up their spot easily.

Griffiths is likely to lead the line on Wednesday against Kilmarnock but already has one eye on playing in next week’s Champions League play-off first leg against Swedish outfit Malmo.

The 24-year-old is understandably desperate to play at the highest level possible in Europe and sees no reason why he and Ciftci cannot form a successful partnership.

“Could we play together? I don’t see why not,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Record. “It’s not often the manager goes with two up front but he’s got attributes I could play off and vice-versa.

“It could be an ideal pairing. The big man likes to hold the ball up and link up with other players while I like to stretch defenders and go behind. It could be a match made in heaven but we’ll have to wait and see if the gaffer ever uses us as a pair.”

Celtic are currently the 1.20 favourites to win at Rugby Park on Wednesday evening, with the draw at 6.50 and Kilmarnock on offer at 15.00 to cause an upset on home turf.

Leave a comment