Leigh Griffiths has trial with West Brom

Apr 23 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

HE followed Graham Dorrans from the Livingston youth ranks to the top team and took over the mantle of chief goal-grabber when the winger earned a big money move to the Premiership.

But now Leigh Griffiths could be set to follow in Dorrans’ studmarks once again after completing a two-day trial with English Premiership side West Brom.

Kid goals Griffiths flew south this week to link up with his former team mate Dorrans at the Hawthorns for a trial under the watchful eye of boss Tony Mowbray.

The Scotland under-19 striker is the second highest goalscorer in the entire country despite the Almondvale striker missing almost three months through a series of niggling injuries.

And it is this keen eye for goal which has brought him to the attention of the Baggies who fear a lack of goals could cost them their place in the top flight

The Midlands side put him through his paces on Monday but the 18-year-old is also on the radar of a host of clubs who are keen to secure his signature at the end of the season.

Kilmarnock boss Jim Jeffries has admitted to being an admirer of the prolific scorer and has had the youngster watched on several occasions already this season while former Livi owner Pearse Flynn threw out a bid from Rangers last year.

English giants Liverpool have also been credited with a past interest in a player who is also rumoured to be on the radar of a host of clubs in the English Championship.

Boyhood favourites Hibernian are also said to be monitoring the situation of a player who has shot to the top of almost every manager’s summer wish list.

Griffiths is entering the final year of his contract with the local club and Livingston will need to sell him in the summer or risk losing him for free at the end of next season.

The teenage sensation is a cert to play at the top level sometime in the future and this week’s trial in the Midlands suggests his days in West Lothian could be numbered.

CLASS ACT: Leigh Griffiths has scored 20-goals this season despite missing a chunk through injury. svwlc210409sparky-1