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Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

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Strachan’s comments about Griffiths show McLeish is being overly harsh on him

Sam Preston
Sam Preston

It is fair to say that Alex McLeish’s relationship with Leigh Griffiths is not perfect; after the Celtic striker pulled out of the latest Scotland squad.

That move has been portrayed as a strop, but perhaps comments from former Scotland boss Gordon Strachan will change some opinions.

He told : “Some people have suggested that Leigh Griffiths’ decision to pull out of the Scotland squad was some kind of sulk about not being picked in the previous matches.

“But the person I dealt with and know? I can’t see it, I really can’t. Yes, he’s a quirky character, but he was never a problem at any time. Not one problem whatsoever, and I think every manager who has ever worked with Griff will say that.

He can make you laugh, he can make you scratch your head, he can make you question what’s normal – but, whatever was happening in his life, when he was on the training field, he was first class and great company.”

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Such a strong defence of the player’s character suggests that Griffiths is being harshly treated by McLeish.

He may not be the only one; Craig Gordon eluded to the fact he is unhappy with his treatment, also.

Former Rangers man McLeish needs to build bridges with the Celtic contingent if he is to build a successful Scotland side.