MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 03:14:20| >> :120:24085:24085:
[monks data]
Celtic logo
Champions League Qualifying | First Qualifying Round
Jul 17, 2019 at 7.45pm UK
 

2-1

Christie (26'), McGregor (76')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Tatar (63')

Neil Lennon backs Leigh Griffiths to make 'significant contribution' for Celtic

Neil Lennon backs Leigh Griffiths to make 'significant contribution' for Celtic
© Reuters
Griffiths returned on Wednesday having not played a competitive game since December last year after taking time out to deal with personal issues.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon senses Leigh Griffiths is set to make a major contribution to the team after the striker completed his comeback against Sarajevo.

The Scotland international came on for the last 12 minutes as the Hoops won 2-1 to secure a 5-2 aggregate victory in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

Griffiths had not played a competitive game since December last year after taking time out of football to deal with personal issues and he received a huge ovation from the Celtic Park crowd.

"It was fantastic, it should mean a lot to him," Lennon said. "It's great to see him back. He's not fully there yet but it's step by step and he's in a good place. We will give him more game time as we go along.

"He looked good on Saturday (against Rennes) for an hour and looked nice and sharp when he came on so he's hungry to play.

"He has missed a long time out and he's worked really, really hard at the back end of last season on his own. And just to integrate himself with the boys again, I think he is getting a real kick out of that and looking now as if he's going to make a significant contribution."

Griffiths came on three minutes after Callum McGregor fired Celtic back in front from 22 yards.

The hosts had looked in complete command after Ryan Christie's 26th-minute opener but a loose pass from new left-back Boli Bolingoli ultimately led to the visitors equalising in the 62nd minute.

However, Lennon was more than satisfied with the performance as Celtic set up an encounter with Estonian champions Nomme Kalju.

"I'm delighted," he said. "An excellent performance against a very good side so early in the competition.

"You could see they were a week fitter as well as we were and I thought we played excellent, first half especially.

"My only bugbear is conceding the goal. We were in total control. But Callum has come up with a brilliant goal to win the game and he was outstanding again, him and (Scott) Brown in the midfield.

"I'm absolutely delighted with what the players are giving me, that was a tough tie to negotiate.

"I'm delighted with the verve and attacking intent they played with."

Lennon is hopeful he will have a new arrival before the Estonians visit Parkhead next Wednesday.

"I think we'll maybe have something in the next few days hopefully," he said. "The boys are doing a brilliant job but could be doing with a little bit of help."

ID:365314: cacheID:365314:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3919:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic's Kieran Tierney pops a squat on May 19, 2019
Read Next:
Neil Lennon confirms second rejected Arsenal bid for Kieran Tierney
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!