LEIGH Griffiths described the reception from Celtic fans for his competitive return as ‘incredible’ and vowed to build on the special moment with goals.

The 28-year-old striker marked his competitive return to action in last Wednesday’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League qualifying win over FK Sarajevo. His second-half substitute appearance was his first game at Paradise since Celtic’s 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock on December 8 last year.

Griffiths came on for Odsonne Edouard in the 79th minute and was greeted with a wonderful reception from the Celtic fans in the stadium. He admitted the standing evation and applause from the fans was moving, and said he hoped to thank them with goals as Celtic prepare for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie against Nomme Kalju this Wednesday night.

“The reception was incredible,” said Griffiths today (Monday). “I was talking to one of the kit men and he said it was one of the best receptions he’s ever heard. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. It was a moment I’ve waited in for a long time. It’s done with now and we look forward.

“I was a little bit nervous. The manager said beforehand that I’ve worked hard, I deserved to be here and to go and do what you do. Hopefully that’s just the first of many appearances this season.

“Just to get on a football park and start kicking a ball about again has driven me on. It’ll be even better when I start scoring goals in competitive matches.”

Griffiths replaced Edouard up front but the Hoops striker also discussed the prospect of working with the Frenchman as a pair for the season ahead.

“The manager knows what I can do and it’s just about getting those opportunities,” he said. “I can’t really shift Odsonne just now because he’s playing out his skin and is doing so well. For a guy so young to play so many consecutive games has been brilliant. Hopefully, as the season goes on, we can strike up a partnership to play two up front.

“The big man likes to come and get the ball to feet, turn and run at people. I like to go in-behind and stretch defences. It works but you can’t just through us in straight away. We need to work on that in training.”

Leigh Griffiths: I was moved by incredible welcome at Paradise