Rodgers should make Griffiths show patience to dislodge Edouard after injury

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Leigh Griffiths is once again not in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming internationals, but reports suggest he is nearing a return from the injury that has sidelined him since early October.

He has apparently returned to training with Celtic for the first time since breaking down after pulling out of the last international period to focus on his fitness.

That will be a welcome boost to Brendan Rodgers, who has been short on options since the Scotsman picked up that injury; the international break has come at a good time for him in terms of bringing a few key players back to fitness.

But Odsonne Edouard has been exceptional in Griffiths’ absence, especially in that 2-1 win over RB Leipzig which kept Celtic’s Europa League hopes alive.

He took apart a defence that had been imperious in domestic football, and that level of performance as he carried Celtic’s attack solo should have earned him an extended run in the side, even as Griffiths returns to the fold.

It’s also important that Griffiths does not suffer another setback after so long out and that Rodgers makes him get up to speed and earn a recall.