McInnes: Griffiths signing is a huge boost for Celtic

Derek McInnes reckons Leigh Griffiths made a major impact for Celtic by simply signing for Neil Lennon’s side.

The Aberdeen manager is a huge admirer of the Hoops new striker, having twice tried to take him to St Johnstone in the past.

Of course, McInnes was delighted that the January capture from Wolves failed to score on his debut in the Scottish Cup defeat against the Dons.

He will, however, have noted the fact he opened his Hoops’ account at Tynecastle yesterday.

So the Dons boss knows Griffiths will be a threat at Pittodrie on Tuesday as Aberdeen look for their first League win against the champions in 17 attempts.

McInnes said: “If you look at last week against St Johnstone, it was funny. Leigh turns up and Anthony Stokes scores a hat-trick.

“That can happen. It’s almost like two signings because a new arrival brings out the best in guys who are already there and Stokes was outstanding last weekend.

“Griffiths will give them another good option. He will always score goals. He’s always been a player who can put away chances.

“I tried to sign him at St Johnstone when he was at Livingston. We failed with our bid and then tried to get him again before he went to Dundee.

“He’s always been a player who has attracted interest, and he has done well getting the move to Celtic.

“It’s up to him to make the most of it because he is a talented player.”

Amazingly Aberdeen have taken just two points from the last 48 available in the League against Celtic.

But now they have the chance to prove that 2-1 win at Parkhead in the Scottish Cup earlier this month was no fluke.

McInnes knows that the best Aberdeen can finish is a distant second to a team that already have another League title in the bag.

But if the Dons’ startling revival under McInnes is to continue, they really have to start winning this sort of fixture more regularly.

He added: “They are a side we have not managed to take any points off this season and we want to change that fact.

“We have come close on a couple of occasions in the League, and at Parkhead were right in it until losing a few goals in injury time.

“We gave a good account of ourselves in all three games, but the last one in the Cup was important for us.

“It was a really good performance. We were not lucky we deserved to win and that was the most encouraging thing for us.

“It’s a tough ask to do it again but if we put in a similar performance then we can repeat it, despite knowing Celtic are always firm favourites no matter where they play.

“Celtic know they are in for a game, but they knew that last week as well. I was really impressed with their performance against St Johnstone.

“They would have been hurt by the Cup exit but they responded with a very good result and performance.

“I am sure all of their energy will now be on going through the League campaign unbeaten.”