Neil Lennon has told Leigh Griffiths to ignore the online trolls and focus on getting back on the pitch.
The Celtic boss admitted the striker is unlikely to feature again this season but slammed the Internet rumours doing the rounds the hitman had been binned by the club.
Lennon said: “Leigh’s doing very well. He’s in good shape and we’re hoping to get him on the grass pitch next week.
“He’s worked very hard and his behaviour away from the club since I came in has been impeccable. He just has to ignore all the nonsense.
“We’re human beings at the end of the day and it can hurt. Leigh is a strong character and he has been through a really tough time.
“The club and Leigh are doing all we can to get him back playing and doing what he does best. I’d prefer him not to react to it and to stay away from social media.”
Lennon had hoped to get Griff game time before the end of term but confirmed next week’s final league game against Hearts and the Scottish Cup Final will likely be out of reach.
He said: “It’ll probably be too soon. He’s been out for a considerable length of time and isn’t training with the group yet.”
