Celtic agree one-year contract extension with Griffiths

Celtic have announced that striker Leigh Griffiths has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The forward’s existing contract expired this summer and there had been speculation about his future as new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou revamps the squad.

Griffiths only started eight games for Celtic last season as the team lost their grip on domestic trophies and had fitness issues as well as having his attitude criticised by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon.

He posted footage on social media on Thursday showing him training on his own, rather than at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training base, and wearing Scotland training kit.

However, he has now committed to Celtic for the next season and will look to establish himself as a starter in Postecoglou’s team.

“I am delighted to extend my time at the club,” he told the club website. “Celtic is a club I love and want to do all I can to play my part again in bringing success to our supporters.

“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and working with the new gaffer and the rest of the lads. It is an exciting time for the club and I wanted to be part of the club’s future. I’ll be doing everything I can to help us get back to where we all want to be.”

Celtic manager Postecoglou added: “I am really pleased to keep Leigh with us for another season at least. I have had very positive conversations with Leigh and he clearly understands my expectations and more importantly the club’s.

“Leigh has already proven himself as one of the top strikers in Scotland and I look forward to working with him so that we can bring success to Celtic Football Club.”

The Australian manager had been questioned about Griffiths during his first media conference, where he recognised the player’s contribution to success over the years as a goalscorer, but made it plain that any extended stay would depend on conforming to the demands placed on the squad.

“He’s in the same place as everyone else so a lot of it will be dependent on them and then I’ll make it clear what I want to do,” Postecoglou said last week.

“I’ll make it clear the kind of football club we’re going to play, the expectations around that in terms of everything that’s involved in being a professional footballer.

“We’ll continue those discussions and if Leigh fits into that picture then I’m happy to bring him back. I’ll make those kinds of decisions when I have all the information I need.”

Griffiths joined Celtic in 2014 and has made 261 appearances for Celtic, scoring 123 goals.