CHARLIE MULGREW has backed his old Celtic teammate Leigh Griffiths after many attacked the striker’s decision to drop out of the Scotland squad.

Leigh decided it was in his best interests to bow out of contention in a bid to get back to full fitness for Celtic and their important run of games after the international break.

This is great news for Celtic because we only have two strikers at the moment and should either Eddy or Leigh get injured the bhoys could be in big trouble.

Leigh has been accused of carrying some extra weight and not looking fit enough in recent weeks.

The Parkhead frontman looks to address his fitness now and Mulgrew believes that is between the player, his club and country, nobody else.

“If it’s what Leigh thinks and feels is right, to use the extra days to work on his fitness, then that’s between himself, Celtic and Scotland.

“I assume it’s best for him. People will respect his decision and hope, when Leigh does come back in, that he is ready to play.”

Celtic have a busy schedule when they get back from the international break. There are midweek games all the way up until Christmas.

With the Europa League and the fixture pile up before the winter break – it’s a tough part of the season.