LEIGH GRIFFITHS today saluted Stefan Scepovic - but then told his team-mate he will not give up the main striker's role without a fight.

The Serb came in from the cold to score twice as Celtic hammered Inverness Caley 5-0 before beginning their title party after winning the Premiership crown for the fourth time in a row.

Griffiths himself got on the scoresheet after coming off the bench to take his tally to 20 for the season, and he is in no mood to move over.

"I was pleased for Stefan because he has worked really hard in training and I know myself what it feels like to be desperate to play and not get a game," said Griffiths.

"It is hard. He'll feel good that he has come in and scored two. He'll go away now thinking that he can build on that for next season.

"I was happy for him, but at the same time I want to be the number one striker here.

"I have made it clear - I want that number nine jersey and I want to be one of the first names that the manager puts on the teamsheet.

"I had to wait for my chance. I had to work really hard to convince the manager that I was worth a shot. It wasn't easy and there were times when I wondered if it would come good for me at all.

"But I'm in this position now and I won't give it up. I feel good. Any striker would be pleased to end the season with 20 goals, and I am because I didn't get the chance to get going until January time."

And the striker believes that if he is trusted with being the main striker at the club, he will not disappoint.

Deila has intimated that he would be prepared to head into Europe with Griffiths leading the line, and the player is confident there is still plenty more to come from him at Celtic.

"I definitely think that if I start next season the way I finished this one that I'll be the top scorer in the country," he said. "I feel like I am going to score every time I walk on to the pitch just now.

"The manager congratulated all of us after the game. I think he has been pleased that we have taken on board what he has asked us to do.

"You can feel the confidence within us as a team and I think there is more to come from me - and from everyone else. We can get better."

And Griffiths himself was delighted at the chance he got to party yesterday when the trophy was finally presented and paraded along with the League Cup.

"I really enjoyed it," he said. "I didn't feel as though I was as big a part of it last season, but out there felt good. I feel as though I played a big part in it and it felt good to lift the trophy and celebrate with everyone else.

"There was disappointment this season that we didn't manage to win the Treble, but we have shown what we can do as a team and I think there is no doubt that is what we'll be aiming for next season.

"I just want to make sure that I am playing and scoring every week."