Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has admitted that he was disappointed by the criticism from Scotland supporters after his decision to snub a call-up to the national team back in October. The marksman had opted for a call-off from international duty to focus on his fitness during that period but that did not go well with the country’s faithful, who ridiculed him through different social media platforms.

Speaking ahead of the Motherwell game, Griffiths acknowledged that he had to take the abuse by the chin after getting a frosty reception from the Scotland fans at that point of time, he said: “You could say it was brave but a lot of people didn’t agree with that and I had to take the abuse I got in the chin. It was unfortunate that I was ill and injured at the same time. It is always difficult when people want to question it.”

Meanwhile, Griffiths continued to suggest that he is still in good terms with manager Alex McLeish and he is hopeful of returning to the national team fray before the 2020 European Championship, he added:“I have said time and again that there is no bigger honour in football than representing your country and I am still the same. I was looking at the draw for Euro 2020 and we have a good group for that and hopefully I am involved.”

Shortly after snubbing Scotland, Griffiths went around six weeks with illness and injury concerns and on his return, he has been restricted to a bench role with the Hoops. Nonetheless, he has not expressed his frustration regarding the same and it remains to be seen whether he can oust Odsonne Edouard for the centre-forward role. Griffiths has been with the Hoops since the summer of 2013 and he has contributed 104 goals in more than 200 appearances for the club.