Celtic striker Nadir Ciftci believes he can form a prolific partnership with team-mate Leigh Griffiths during the second half of the season.

Boss Ronny Deila has tended to play with just one forward in matches this season, with Scotland international Griffiths having made that position his own with 19 goals to his name in all competitions.

The 25-year-old’s form has limited summer signing Ciftci to cameo appearances so far this term, although the former Dundee United player did score twice against St Johnstone last week in the absence of Griffiths, who was out of the side with a calf problem.

Ciftci is now hoping to form a partnership with his fellow front man, as he believes it could lead to a lot of goals for the Glasgow giants over the rest of the season.

He said: “Leigh has been amazing this season. He works hard and he is getting his rewards. It is great for the team that we have someone like that, but I think if we could both play together that possibly we would score a lot of goals.”

The 23-year-old admits that he would have liked to have featured on a more regular basis since arriving at Parkhead, but he insists he has never doubted his own ability to succeed with the Hoops.

He added: “I have never had any doubts. You have to believe in yourself. I don’t know if I really knew how hard it would be to get into the team here. I was maybe thinking that I would get in a bit easier, but there are so many good players.”

Ciftci will be hoping to be involved when the Bhoys take on Motherwell at Celtic Park on Saturday and the Scottish Premiership leaders are available at 1.13 to win the match, whilst the Steelmen are on offer at 19.00 and the draw is best priced at 7.50.