Ange Postecoglou’s presence tipped to kick-start Leigh Griffiths’ career for Celtic and Scotland

Gerry Creaney’s Scotland career never amounted to much – 12 Under-21 caps and a Scotland B appearance in 1995.

One of his successors in the Celtic striking department, Leigh Griffiths, has been left cooling his heels as Euro 2020 gets into full swing.

And it’s who will get the goals for the Hoops next season that will be high on new manager’s Ange Postecoglou’s stacked in-tray.

Odsonne Edouard is inching towards the exit door, and a likely reunion with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.

Griffiths is in limbo, waiting for the club to decide if he’s wanted for another year.

And Mo Elyounoussi has returned, from a second successive loan, to Southampton.

That’s a lot of goals potentially finding a home away from Parkhead.

And Creaney is banking on the board releasing any Edouard profits for the new manager.

Creaney said: “Only one or two players in the world are irreplaceable. Celtic have a fantastic reputation for pulling one out the bag from somewhere.

“No one had heard much about Odsonne when he came – then he lit up the league.

“There was Moussa Dembele not long ago. Go way back to Mark Viduka, Pierre van Hooijdonk and they have an ability to see those guys.

“Most famous of all was Henrik Larsson at £650,000. Historically, that position has been filled by high quality.

“I don’t think it devalues anything if you haven’t heard a great deal about them.

“The majority were shrewd signings, thanks to the hard work no one knows about – the scouting system.

“Hopefully, Celtic can attract a similar type to get goals and become a talisman in big games.”

Griffiths has spent the close season grafting in the gym to impress. He’s suffered a lost couple of seasons with fitness, form and mental health issues.

Creaney believes Postecoglou can offer the wayward star a chance to be Celtic’s No. 9 again by activating a contract option.

He said: “I hope Leigh enjoys a breath of fresh air now. His scoring record and contribution as a great natural finisher over the years is fantastic.

“He’s gone through tough times. But I hope he finds the spirit within to come out the other side as the player he wants to be, and we all know he can be.

“Fresh impetus, fresh manager, fresh ideas may help Leigh.

“He’s publicly come out, in his own way, to show he’s trying his best to be fit.

“If Leigh is going to put it in – and the manager accepts the effort – that’s the resolution both should look for.

“I’ve no doubt Leigh has more than enough ability and character to lead Celtic’s line.

“If he’s physically and mentally right, Celtic could save a few quid.”

Creaney says Parkhead’s recruitment team will ensure Postecoglou has all the info on targets at his fingertips, and added: “Coming from a different part of the world, he might unearth a gem or two we don’t know, which exciting.”