Exclusive: McAvennie baffled by Griffiths-Celtic development - 'No Disrespect but...'

Frank McAvennie is baffled by Celtic manager Neil Lennon's decision to ignore Leigh Griffiths the 2-2 Europa League draw at Lille.

The Parkhead legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, insisted he would take a half-fit Griffiths up front over Albian Ajeti or Patryk Klimala.

Neil Lennon name Ajeti as the lone spearhead before replacing him after 64 minutes with the available-again Odsonne Edouard.

Griffiths was ignored completely as two goals from winger Mohamed Elyounoussi helped Celtic secure their first point in Group H.

Griffiths has started just one game this season, the 3-1 home loss against AC Milan last week with Elyounoussi at times preferred to lead the line.

The Scotland international scored his second goal of the season last Sunday as Neil Lennon’s side lost ground on rivals Rangers with a 3-3 draw at Aberdeen.

When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Neil Lennon's team selection, McAvennie said:

"The game was away from home so you need somebody that has got a lot of energy.

"I would have said to Griffiths, 'Give me an hour or 45 minutes.' No disrespect to Ajeti and Klimala but I would rather take a half-fit Leigh Griffiths up top over them.

"He scored a great goal at the weekend and that is what he does, that is Griff. He is a natural goalscorer."

The Scotland international was joined by Odsonne Edouard on the bench tonight, the 22-year-old again available after recovering from Covid-19.

Despite scoring six goals in 10 appearances, the French striker has looked off colour this season following a summer of intense transfer speculation.

In other Celtic news, Whelan shares verdict on club potentially sacking Lennon after critical update.