Scottish Cup: John Collins praises Leigh Griffiths

John Collins says Leigh Griffiths has the potential to play in the English Premier League. Picture: Jane Barlow

The former Hibernian player and manager has been impressed by the striker’s improved maturity both on and off the field this season. But he warned that Griffiths would not necessarily be a success back at parent club Wolves if the player was unable to settle there.

Griffiths has been on loan at Easter Road from the English club for the past two seasons but has a year on his contract to run and is expected to report there for pre-season training. He has said he is doing everything he can to prolong his stay at Hibs, and Collins suggested that in those circumstances it might be difficult for him to realise his potential. “If his mindset’s not right to go to Wolves then he’ll be back up – or somewhere else,” said Collins yesterday. “No matter how much talent you’ve got, if your heart and mind aren’t in it on the training pitch, then you won’t be successful.

“He’s a success at Hibs just now, as everything’s there for him. His heart, mind and soul are in the job. Hibs might just be the right fit for him. He’s the kingpin there, he can do what he wants. He’s scoring goals and the fans love him.

“If he goes to a big club that won’t be the case. He’ll be a piece in a jigsaw. [Former Southampton striker] Matt Le Tissier could have played in any team but he chose to stay where he and his family were happy. Some people knocked him for a lack of ambition, but why would you knock someone for being content? Everybody’s different.”

Having said that Griffiths may be one of those players who are only happy turning out for the club they supported as boys, Collins went on to explain that, should he be willing to move from Easter Road, Griffiths could go far in the game. “The goals Leigh has scored this season, you could go to every top league in Europe, even the Bundesliga, and there haven’t been goals like that scored by [Robert] Lewandowski [of Borussia Dortmund] or guys like that.

“Could he play in the Premier League? If his mind was right and his lifestyle was right, then yes. He’s got the talent.

“He could be a big player for Scotland, too, if all these things are right. There are lots of players with talent but you need other attributes too. You need to be a real professional for ten years, not just six months.

“Gareth Bale’s got the best left foot in Britain but Leigh’s just behind. He’s in that category just below. Any Premier League clubs looking at him would have to do their research, look at his lifestyle and his family, as it’s about the whole package. You might take a gamble if there’s not a huge amount of money involved. He’s got the football world at his feet and he’ll dictate where he goes by his behaviour and his professionalism. It’s there for him.

“You’d be sad if Leigh didn’t fulfill his potential. Every player like that you think it’s a shame. They do come around fairly often in Scottish football – talent not fulfilled. But I enjoy watching him and I’m sure many other people do too.

“He’s one of those players when he gets the ball you think something is going to happen. He doesn’t pass the buck. As soon as he gets the ball his body language is all about going forward and trying to hurt the opponent.

“He’s got self-belief and he’s had an unbelievable season. His temperament is better this season. There’s less arguing with officials, which has made him a better player, and his work rate is better. When you put all that together you’ve got a very important player.

“He had a good season last season. Since the day he arrived at Hibs he’s produced on the goal front but where he has improved is the self-discipline. Maybe the penny has dropped because he’s at that age now and he’s a father.

“Leigh probably realised that if he’d continued the way he was going, arguing with referees and losing his concentration, then it would be detrimental to his career. But he’s still not lost that little spark where he wants the ball and wants to score.

“I always think it’s special when you have a local boy, especially a striker and not just an average player making up the numbers. He’s a special player and he’s got a bond with the supporters. He plays like a fan.

“You can tell every time he scores the goal and kisses the badge that it’s real with him. He’s born and bred in the area and I think it’s nice to see that. Fans love that, one of their own, and when he finishes playing he’ll be on the terraces with them.”

Looking to the Scottish Cup final, Collins said: “Celtic are obviously favourites going into the game. They’ve got the better players but it’s a cup final and Hibs have got a goal machine in Griffiths who is scoring from everywhere and anywhere and Alex Harris is a shining light with a bit of pace who can beat a man.

“Hibs will have to play extremely well to win the game and defend well as a unit but for me the key is if they believe in themselves. If they let Celtic dominate the ball then they’ll eventually cut you open so I’d like to see Hibs get in their faces.”

Wolves vow over Leigh

LEIGH Griffiths has been told to forget about staying at Hibernian, with Wolverhampton Wanderers chief executive Jez Moxey adamant that Griffiths will be leading their attack in League One next season.

Scotland international Griffiths, 22, is desperate to turn his prolific loan spell at Hibs into a permanent deal this summer. But Wolves took up their one-year option on Griffiths earlier this month with the intention of him playing for them next season.

Moxey reiterated yesterday: “Leigh is coming back to us this summer, I can assure you of that. These issues have been discussed.”

Griffiths joined Wolves for £150,000 from Dundee in January 2011. But he has made just one appearance for them so far and that was in a League Cup tie against Northampton Town in August 2011.