THE learned coaches of Hutchison Vale Community Sports Football Club know a player when they see one.

At the moment, there are over 100 of them currently performing at senior levels who have walked through the doors of Scotland's most successful producer of young talent.

The list of those who came before them is as lengthy as it is impressive.

John Collins, Darren Fletcher, Steven Fletcher, the Caldwell brothers and Kenny Miller. It is a list which goes on and on.

A few years back, I visited the club and spoke to a number of people who were rightly proud of their honours board. In Britain perhaps only Newcastle's Wallsend Boys Club can match their Lothian counterparts in terms of tangible success in their quest to mould future stars.

When asked who the most naturally gifted player they ever saw, thinking that surely the supremely blessed Collins would be the answer, the name of Leigh Griffiths was mentioned more than once.

At that time, he was at Dundee and outside of the top tier. Sure, he was scoring goals, but no trees were being pulled up. I was, however, told in no uncertain terms that this lad could be anything he wanted to be.

"As long as he learns to behave," was the caveat attached to the praise. It was said in a manner which suggested that those who first spotted him felt this was one graduate who would not fulfil his huge potential.

Has Griffiths learned to behave? Well, yes and no. He still allows himself to get into certain regrettable situations, but Ronny Deila seems to have been a calming influence.

His potential has still to be fulfilled, however, at 24 his best days are far ahead of him and his form for Celtic of late has been terrific.

And this fine season has been capped with a return to the Scotland squad. He has every chance of figuring against the Republic of Ireland on June 13. His rehabilitation from daft laddie with an attitude problem, to Celtic's first choice striker and a Scotland international is almost complete.

Griffiths deserves some credit for turning around his life and his playing career. There are few things in football more depressing than watching someone with genuine talent opt to waste it.

There was a time when that could have happened. Those who know Griffiths best describe him as silly more than being a bad guy.

But silly isn't good enough if you want to cut it at Celtic and the penny does seem to have dropped.

Pat Fenlon was, until Deila, the manager who got most out of Griffiths when they worked together at Hibernian.

The Irishman was rewarded with 28 goals and the striker won the SPFA player of the year award two seasons ago.

He has only good things to say about a player whose reputation did rather precede him when the two first met.

Fenlon said: "When I got to Hibs, I was told Leigh was a serious talent, but that there was a big question mark over him. That was all about what he got up to away from the field because on it he was fantastic.

"He needed to mature and keep himself away from certain situations. He has done that. Signing for Celtic has been the making of him.

"Leigh is a genuine good lad. His attitude and application were superb. I had no problem with him at the training ground and at games. It was during his own time and what he got up to which was a worry.

"There were times I had to drag him off the training pitch. He was so determined to improve every aspect of his game. He just loves playing football and was one of the best trainers at the club.

"My guess is that Scott Brown has been a positive influence on him. Scott's own attitude is exemplary and I believe he has taken Leigh under his wing."

Fenlon, now at Shamrock Rovers, is delighted Gordon Strachan has called up his favourite former player even if there is a chance Griffiths will score against Ireland in Dublin on June 13.

He said: "I'm not surprised by how well Leigh is doing. He's always had it in him. He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen. He scores with both feet and is good in the air. His link-up play has improved immeasurably.

"I saw him linked with Leeds, but he is not going to leave Celtic to go to there. He is at the right club for his progress - and he is going to get much better.

"I had to look after him for a bit when he was getting into a bit of bother, however, I can't speak highly enough of him as a guy. He was a pleasure to work with and I still keep in touch with him.

"I am delighted Gordon has picked Leigh for Scotland. There is no doubt he is good enough for international football. I just hope he doesn't score against us."