LEIGH Griffiths has returned to the international fold, having been included in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the forthcoming games against Serbia, Slovakia and Israel alongside fellow Celts, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Greg Taylor.

Neil Lennon is delighted for Griffiths and has urged the player to continue working hard in order to reap the benefits for club and country.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s UEFA Europa League clash with Sparta Prague at Celtic Park, the Hoops boss said: “I know that playing for Scotland means a lot to Leigh and it’s another positive step in the right direction. He’s worked very hard and he’s continuing to work very hard and he’ll be in contention for tonight’s squad. He’s in reasonable condition now and he’s come back looking as hungry as ever.

“I’ve got a great relationship with him, as I do with the rest of the players. I’ve known him for a long time, and I know what he’s capable of. I understand him and I do know he has his ups and downs. We’ve shown a lot of patience with him, and we’re getting rewarded with it now.

“It’s down to him. He needs to stay on it and at that level, but he will be an asset for us as we go along. So, we’re delighted for him as a club.

“I just hope he goes, enjoys himself, does well and comes back injury-free. And I mean that for all of the players who go away. We were really under the cosh after the last international break, so we’re trying desperately not to have a repeat performance of that.”

At the other end of the pitch, Neil Lennon has also been pleased with Scott Bain’s contribution. The goalkeeper had an impressive performance in the 2-2 draw against Lille, producing a number of good saves, including one from a penalty.

And he followed that up with a clean sheet at Hampden in the 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen at the weekend.

“He’s played in the team in the last few games and he’s played very well,” said the Celtic manager, “so I don’t see any reason to change that at the minute. We kept a clean sheet in the semi-final and he was very good, so Scott has done nothing to warrant being left out of the team at the minute.

“That may change as the season goes on, but at the minute I’m quite happy to go with Scott as he’s playing really well.

“The atmosphere round the training ground is great. We succeeded in accomplishing another cup final place, another chance for silverware, and psychologically, that’s a big lift for the players. They took a lot from the performance in Lille where they showed that they can reach those levels of a top-quality side.

“We have a difficult opponent tonight. There no easy games in the Europa League and Sparta are a very strong, functional team. I know they’ve got a few missing but they’ll still provide stiff opposition. We know what’s at stake for us in the group, and we’ll be all-out to win the game.”

Manager: We're delighted at Leigh's call-up to Scotland squad