Striker Griffiths, described by Rodgers yesterday as “vulnerable”, is to take indefinite leave from the Premiership champions to deal with his problems.

Rodgers acknowledged that matters had come to a head and Griffiths could no longer continue as part of the squad.

The Northern Irishman insisted he would not betray confidences about the problems which bedevilled 28-year-old Griffiths but, asked about rumours of a gambling problem that have dogged the former Hibernian player, he replied: “It’s more than that; it’s a culmination of things.”

Leigh Griffiths, described by Brendan Rodgers as 'vulnerable', is to take indefinite leave from Celtic to deal with his problems. Picture: SNS

Rodgers added that he had known about Griffiths’ difficulties for a period of time but a specific incident had  triggered the club’s present course of action.

Asked about that, he replied: “Yes there was – which points towards [Griffiths] really needing help and support in order to make himself happy.

“I think a few of the guys were probably aware of it. A couple of the senior players rang me when I got to know about an incident that happened. I was then able to act from there.

“He wants the help. When you have these incidents – and it’s been ongoing over a considerable period of time – there comes a point when you  recommend that this is what we do. We will get an assessment of where he is at professionally then put a plan in place for him.

“I’ve been aware of issues for a while and obviously I can never say to you guys [in the media] when you ask: ‘Is he fit?’ and so on. There is a confidence there I will never break. But I think it’s at a point where hopefully he can get that help.

“It’s more than football because he is a father of five children. We want to help them find the happiness and get him back playing.”

Senior Celtic players intervened to get Leigh Griffiths help