Phillips makes bold claim about Griffiths after he agrees new Celtic deal
Kevin Phillips claims Leigh Griffiths can replace Odsonne Edouard’s goals if he leaves Celtic this summer.
The Sunderland legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on the striker’s future.
Yesterday (July 1st) Celtic confirmed Griffiths will remain at the club for another season after triggering a contract extension.
Last week Ange Postecoglou confirmed in his first Celtic press conference via BBC Sport, that he had a conversation with Griffiths and would make a decision in the near future.
That decision has now been taken and the striker looks set to remain at Parkhead as part of Postecoglou’s rebuild.
Edouard has one year remaining on his Celtic deal and West Ham are weighing up whether to reignite their interest, as revealed by Football Insider on 19th June.
When asked if Griffiths can step up and replace Edouard’s goals, Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, “Yeah, I think he can.
“He’s got it in him. He’s also had his issues but everyone does.
“He has definitely shown enough to warrant a new contract, he’s got the ability.
“He scored goals and he can score from set plays, as we’ve seen over the years.
“It’s a no brainer as long as he wants to stay. You have someone who is indispensable and can score goals at that level.“
Griffiths scored seven goals in all competitions last season.
He missed the start of the season with a calf issue and was often used as a substitute by both Neil Lennon and John Kennedy.
In other news, Frank McAvennie baffled by multiple “weird” twists in senior Celtic player transfer saga.