Scott McDonald: 'Leigh Griffiths should start for Celtic'

Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald has insisted that the Scottish champions would be better off starting Leigh Griffiths ahead of Nadir Ciftci in their Champions League qualifier.

The Turkish forward is serving a six-match domestic suspension, but is available for Ronny Deila's side in European competition, giving the manager the chance to rest Griffiths for the league.

Ahead of the second leg of the team's qualification tie against Qarabag FK, McDonald told BBC Scotland: "I would go with Griffiths, only because Ciftci has not played enough football. Griffiths gives you that threat in behind as well.

"With him not being able to play league football, I don't think he has played enough games. Ciftci is still trying to find his feet, knowing when to come short, knowing when to play in behind. It will take him time.

"Once he gets that first goal, he will do really well for Celtic. We've seen his talents at Dundee United, but at this moment I would go with Griffiths."

Ciftci joined Celtic during the summer, but he misses the start of the season after being found guilty of biting Dundee's Jim McAlister.