Murdo MacLeod believes getting Leigh Griffiths fit could prove the difference for former club Celtic in Saturday’s Old Firm clash.
A hamstring problem meant the Bhoys striker missed Scotland’s 5-1 2018 World Cup qualifying win over Malta on Sunday, and his condition remains unclear ahead of the first Glasgow derby in the Scottish Premiership since 2012.
Griffiths has made a flying start to the season, already netting seven times in all competitions to fire his side to the top of the domestic table and into the Champions League group stage.
Having him fit to face Rangers could prove vital for Brendan Rodgers’ men who are looking to land an early psychological blow against their bitter rivals in the title race.
MacLeod knows the ferocity and tension generated during Old Firm games, having spent nine years playing at Parkhead, while he also had a season on the coaching staff.
The 57-year-old believes getting Griffiths on the pitch could be the key as the former Hibernian man’s touch in the box means he can always score crucial goals.
MacLeod said: “In any Old Firm game you need people who can score goals and when you have got Griffiths fully fit, that is so important because I think he is the one that will get goals.
“I think that is the priority number one. Griffiths is the guy you look at that is going to score, whether from outside the box or inside the box.
“He is a predator and he will score goals for you at all levels.”
Having previously been 4.50, Griffiths has been boosted to 5.25 to score two or more goals on Saturday while Celtic are 1.57 to win the match, with the draw 4.20 and the Gers are priced at 5.50.
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