Leigh aims to put spark back into title bid

Oct 30 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

KID goals Leigh Griffiths reckons he’s the man to ‘spark’ Livingston’s faltering First Division title bid.

The teenager, known as Sparky by his team-mates, was in irresistible form at the start of the season and boasted a goal a game average.

His sensational form earned him a first-ever call up to the national set-up at under-19 level before a freak injury put him on the shelf for more than a month.

But after missing seven of the last eight Livingston games through injury and starring in Hungary for his country, Sparky is ready to join Callum Elliot in what could be the First Division’s top front pairing.

“I was away with Scotland but I’ve been dying to get back and play again for Livingston,” he admitted.

“I was injured for abot five weeks and was desperate to get back for the Queen of the South game a few weeks ago and it was great to get the last half hour or so but it wasn’t the best game to come back to.

“And then I was called up for Scotland and missed another couple of games but I’m thrilled to be back and ready to play.”

Griffiths’ Scotland call saw him miss two crucial First Division games which his side lost and he admits to being disappointed a compromise where he could have played for Livi wasn’t worked out.

“I thought the SFA would have allowed me to play against St Johnstone and then join up with the squad the next day.

“But I was watching the Rangers and Hibs reserves game and when I saw John Fleck go down injured I thought they’d stop me playing.

“They lost Fleck and took that into consideration and didn’t want to lose any more strikers.

“It was a good trip though with Scotland we played three games.

“The first game was a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan, then we hammered San Marino 8-0 and then finally we beat Hungary 1-0.

“I actually set up the winner in the last game. I reached the byline and cut the ball back for Stevie Stirling, who is with Rangers, who slotted it home. The win helped us qualify.”

The prospect of seeing Griffiths and Elliot lead the Livi frontline has had fans drooling with the deadly duo boasting a staggering goal a game ratio this season.

And Sparky admits he is looking forward to the chance to working with the on-loan Jambo.

“All the boys have been telling me how well Callum has been playing so I hope to get the chance to play alongside him.

“I love scoring goals but as long as the team is doing well and winning games then I’m not that fussed who scores the goals.”

After blazing a trail to the top of the table Livingston have lost three games on the bounce but Sparky is keen to end that run against Morton on Saturday.

“No team likes losing games but in this league anyone can beat anyone else.

“Hopefully, we can get the winning streak going again. All the boys are buzzing in the dressing room and are keen to get back to playing and end this run of defeats.

“Morton are always a tough team to play against and we will give them maximum respect.

“But we are at home and looking for the three points which could take us back to the top of the table.”

Sparky, who is a cast iron guarantee of goals and spectacular play, has caught the eye of admiring clubs around the country but he insists he is happy in West Lothian.

He added: “I’m very happy at Livingston and have a deal for the next two seasons and, hopefully, we’ll be in the SPL next year.

“Livi is one of the biggest clubs in the country and should be up there.”