Leigh Griffiths nets a double and boosts Scots

Leigh Griffiths warmed up for Scotland’s midweek match at Wembley by scoring his first competitive goals for Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday.

The striker scored twice in a 4-0 home win over Gillingham in League One, England’s third tier.

Griffiths, who signed an extended contract with Wolves last week, spent last season on loan at Hibernian where he scored 28 league and cup goals.

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He got the hosts off to the perfect start at Molineux with a neat finish from the edge of the penalty box after five minutes and then scored his side’s fourth goal from a penalty midway through the second half.

Wolves are seeking to claw their way back up the leagues after suffering back-to-back relegations.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan will be delighted with Griffiths’ form. The Scots face England in London on Wednesday in a match to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association. Griffiths led the line in Scotland’s last match, the 1-0 victory over Croatia in June.

Meanwhile, James Morrison will win his 28th cap against the Auld Enemy and fulfil an ambition by playing at one of the world’s most famous grounds.

“I am looking forward to it. There hasn’t been a Scotland-England game for years,” said the West Bromwich Albion midfielder. “It’s just a shame it’s being played a few days before the season starts. I remember last year we played Australia and I got a little knock on my ankle, so it’s not an ideal time.”

Morrison was the surprise choice as skipper when Strachan’s patchwork side shocked Croatia in Zagreb. That squad suffered seven call-offs but Morrison doesn’t expect a repeat. “I think I would put money on everyone being available for this game,” he said. “Everyone wants to play for Scotland against England. If I’m captain again it will be a great honour and something no-one can take away from me.”