Scotland boss Steve Clarke says he can’t wait to see troubled Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths back in a dark blue shirt.
The Parkhead frontman – who became a national hero with two iconic goals against England at Hampden in 2017 – hasn’t kicked a ball since December.
Fitness issues and off-field problems wrecked Griffiths’ season but he’s vowed to be back firing again next term.
And new national team gaffer Clarke admits he’d love to be able to pick the 28-year-old Celtic forward.
Griffiths has 19 caps and four goals for his country and Clarke said: “I read some quotes from Leigh where he said he’s hoping to be back for pre-season.
“That was nice to hear because obviously if you can get Leigh Griffiths back, he’s a proven goalscorer at international level.
“It would be good to have somebody of his ability back.
“We need to let Celtic deal with Leigh’s situation right now. The most important thing for him is that he gets himself fit and well.
“Once he’s health then we can start talking abut the football side of things. But he has to be healthy first.”
Clarke is short of strikers for his first games in charge, the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium.
The likes of Steven Fletcher, Oli McBurnie are missing while Clarke revealed he’s already told experienced Hearts forward Steven Naismith will be part of the plans.
He said: “I had a good chat with Steven. He was in at Hampden so came into the office and we had a good talk.
“He’s one who would be good for us and he’s champing at the bit to get playing again.
“Hopefully he has a good summer and pre-season than he can be part of the future.”
