Jack Ross coy on Leigh Griffiths link as Hibs boss reveals admiration for Celtic striker

Jack Ross has spoken of his admiration for Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths after the Hibs head coach was quizzed on a potential summer move for the 30-year-old.

Leigh Griffiths in action for Celtic. The striker has been linked with a summer exit from the club.

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Griffiths had two spells on loan at Easter Road between 2011 and 2013, hitting 39 goals in 78 games for his boyhood heroes and has been linked with a Parkhead exit with the Capital club and Aberdeen both touted as possible destinations.

However, the Hibs boss remained coy when asked about the player.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup trip to Stranraer, Ross said: “First of all, he’s not a player that, as of yet, will be available.

"He’s still contracted to Celtic and there’s been nothing to say he won’t be, as things stand.

"Beyond that, I think it’s an easy connection to make because of his previous time with the club and his association with Hibs.

"But I would temper that by saying, is he a player we have admiration for? Of course, because his goalscoring record is up there with the best in Scotland over recent years.

“It may be something that, should the opportunity arise, would be something we’d discuss.

“But it’s not something we have been able to discuss in any detail because he’s not a player, as of yet, who will be available.”

Hoops interim boss John Kennedy has revealed the striker has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for free.

Celtic chiefs are still to hold talks over Griffiths' future but with an expected squad overhaul in the summer and the fact he hasn’t started a league game since January, the striker may feel his future lies elsewhere.

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