Leigh Griffiths out to repeat '˜Messi' moment against Hearts
Leigh Griffiths was a frustrated spectator last time his side met Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership and the Celtic striker is looking to make up for lost time tomorrow.
The league’s leading goalscorer was out through injury when Osman Sow’s audacious injury-time equaliser denied Celtic all three points at Tynecastle.
It was the second time this season the men in maroon have held the champions, having drawn 0-0 at Celtic Park earlier in the campaign. However, the one victory this season between the sides belongs to Celtic, as they won 2-1 in the League Cup back in the autumn.
Griffiths netted a superb goal that day to send Celtic on their way to victory. It was his second strike at Tynecastle since moving to Parkhead, something he relishes doing as a boyhood Hibs fan.
While his first goal in a 2-0 win at Hearts two years ago was impressive, and also his first ever goal for Celtic, it pales in comparison to the terrific run and finish he produced the last time he faced Robbie Neilson’s side.
“The first one was my first goal for Celtic and a few people won bets on me scoring there. The second one was a lot better,” said Griffiths.
“It’s not often that I go past two or three players and slot it into the bottom corner - but I actually turned into Lionel Messi for about 15 seconds.
“The last time I played Hearts we put them out of the cup, though it was disappointing earlier in the season when we drew with them 0-0 at Celtic Park. We drew 2-2 just after Christmas when I was injured so hopefully we can get the points.”
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