Leigh Griffiths is training with Livingston in a bid to resurrect his career.
But while Lions boss David Martindale says the former Scotland and Celtic striker won’t be signing with the Tony Macaroni Arena outfit, he was full of praise for the 31-year-old’s hunger to get back into the game after almost walking away from the sport last season.
Griffiths, who made his professional debut as a 16-year-old for Livi in 2006, spent last season between Dundee and League One side Falkirk but has been handed free reign of the facilities at the West Lothian side as he looks for a new club.
The 22-times capped Scotland international is currently a free agent but boasts an impressive CV that features seven Scottish titles and over 120 goals for Celtic.
Martindale commented: “Leigh was scunnered with football and I had a chat with him after we played Dundee last season. I told him if there was anything I could do to help him he could give me a shout. He’s a former Livingston player and I wanted to help him.
“I know he has some trouble off the park but everyone in football I have spoken to about him said how good a guy he is and I am finding that myself.
“He’s worked so hard, he’s lost weight and body fat and he’s been brilliant around the place. If I can help anyone, not just Leigh, if I can help any player I will go out my way to do that.”
He added: “He’s training well and he is looking for a club and we want to help him do that.
“I was open and honest with Leigh and I told him there’s not a contract here. He has options which is good but we were happy to help him use the club as he needs.
“We opened the nutritionist, masseuse and the strength and conditioning guys to help him get himself in the best shape possible. I want him to get back to where he should be as we all know how good a player he is. He has to find that player again.
“From a few months ago to now he is in fantastic shape. Probably the best I have seen from him in a year.
“He’s a fantastic player and what I have seen is that desire to go and do better. It would have been easy for him to down tools in the summer and come in here in bad shape.
“But that’s not the case, he’s done a lot of hard and work and I’m here to help him with the final bit and get him a club.”
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