Rodgers must axe faltering star for cup semi-final after one man stole show v Hamilton

Sun 8 April 2018 17:17, UK

COMMENT

Leigh Griffiths must start Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers next Sunday, after a stellar performance in the Hoops’ 2-1 win over Hamilton.

The 27-year-old attacker showed his prowess in under 60 seconds, as after coming on as a half-time sub he bulleted home a header to steal the show and give the Hoops the win that takes them three points away from the league title.

The Scotland international’s performance was in complete contrast to fellow striker Moussa Dembele, who after missing a sitter in the opening seconds of the game failed to have much of an impact on the game.

Griffiths was in excellent form for the Hoops until he suffered his calf injury in January, and had replaced Dembele as the first choice striker at the club.

Dembele did well in Griffiths’ absence, but his performances have tailed off in recent weeks, whilst Griffiths looks to be firing on all cylinders.

The Scottish forward has played well against Rangers previously, scoring against the Ibrox side with a well-taken goal in a 2-0 win at September.

He has the guile to annoy Rangers and not give them a minute to relax in defence, and as such he needs to start the game, with Dembele being axed, and he could take the Hoops one step closer to making history.