Griffiths thankful
Striker Leigh Griffiths has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the outpouring of support for him following the news he’s taking some time out of football.
It was confirmed by Brendan Rodgers on Wednesday that Griffiths will be unavailable for selection for the Hoops for a ‘period of time’ while he gets the help that he needs to deal with his issues.
Griffiths said on Thursday, via the club’s official website: “I just wanted to thank everyone at the club and so many Celtic fans and other people who have sent me such kind and powerful messages of support.
“I thank you all sincerely and want to let you know I’m doing all I can to come back as soon as possible, a better and stronger person.”
Melbourne still want Brown
Western Melbourne are still keen to sign Scott Brown, and may feel they’re a more attractive proposition now after getting the green light to join Australia’s A-League (The Daily Mail).
Melbourne were previously chasing Brown, and want him to leave Celtic in the summer and sign a three-year contract with them.
Brown is into the final year of his contract and is free to leave for nothing at the end of the season as things stand.
The player has been given the time to think about the decision by Brendan Rodgers.
Salzburg buildup
Rodgers knows only a point is required to secure Celtic’s safe progression into the Europa League knockout stages, but is leaving nothing to chance and wants to go for the win.
He said, as quoted by The Scotsman: “People say play for a draw, that’s unworkable. The mentality for us is we go to win. And that’s how we play a game. We play a game to not concede a goal, be aggressive and this is a similar idea.”
Celtic are unbeaten in 10 going into the game and are fresh from knocking Kilmarnock off top spot in the Premiership with a resounding 5-1 win.
Predicted lineup: Gordon/Lustig, Simunovic, Benkovic, Tierney/McGregor, Rogic, Christie/ Forrest, Sinclair, Edouard.