Make or break for 27-yr-old: Three Celtic players who must stand out in second half of season
COMMENT
As Celtic end their winter break in Dubai, thoughts will now turn to the second-half of the season for the Scottish Premiership league leaders. The Hoops have a healthy eight point lead over Aberdeen at the top of the table, and will be looking to complete back-to-back domestic trebles for the first in their history if they retain the Scottish Cup. There's also the small matter of the Champions League last 32 clash against Zenit in February. However, Brendan Rodgers will be concerned that the standard of play from some of his mainstays of last season's treble winning side has gone down over the past few months. There was always going to be a reaction to last year's unbeaten league season, but it hasn't all been positive. Here
Football Insider
looks at three players who need to up their game in the second-half of the season
Click 'reveal' below to read about a striker who has stopped scoring...
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LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Leigh Griffiths looks like a shadow of the player he was last season, as his form has dipped completely in recent months. The 27-year-old started off the season in fine form, scoring against Rangers and Anderlecht, but since then injuries and poor from look to have taken their toll. He has at times been third choice striker, behind Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard, but with Dembele's future in doubt Griffiths could still have a big part to play in the second-half of the season. It really is make or break for the Parkhead forward.
Click 'next page' to read about a formerly dynamic midfielder...
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STUART ARMSTRONG
Another player who has found it difficult to live up last season's performances, the attacking midfielder has only three goals this season, and is unlikely to match the 17 he scored last season. Brendan Rodgers obviously still has faith in the player as he picks him for most of the Hoops' biggest games, most recently in the goal less Old Firm derby, a game in which he disappointed. Still has the ability in him to be a big player for the team and pitch-in with goals from midfield, but overall performance has to improve.
Click 'next page' to read about a player that's completely fallen from grace...
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JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Hard to believe that the player who turned in a flawless display in Anderlecht in September has now been removed from the first-team completely, but that's football. Has been dropped since a dreadful display in the 4-0 loss to Hearts which ended the Hoops' unbeaten run as his confidence seemed to go to pieces. He undeniably has the capabilities to force his way back into the team, the only question is will he get back into the team or are his days at Celtic Park numbered? The second-half of the season will provide the answer. In other Celtic news,
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