LEIGH GRIFFITHS has told Gordon Strachan he is ready and willing to lead the Scotland line against the Republic of Ireland.

 

The Celtic forward has been recalled to the squad for next month's international challenge match against Qatar and the critical Uefa European Championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

And he has told Strachan that he can be trusted to produce the goods on the international stage.

"I led the line against Croatia when we beat them a couple of years ago so I do think the manager knows that I can play that position," he said.

"I ran myself into the ground for an hour that night.

"Since then I feel as though I have a lot more experience because I have been playing that position here at Celtic and I've played in some big games.

"I have matured an awful lot as a player and a person since then. I have improved so much by playing that lone striker's role here at Celtic this season.

"I do feel ready for that level. It is the next step for me, to be able to hold down a place in the national side regularly. But there are a lot of top strikers in the country just now and you have to keep producing if you are to stay in there.

"But it is the manager's choice. Sometimes it comes down to who is looking the sharpest at training and who he thinks is best suited to the way he wants to play. But if I am picked I will give my all, that's for sure.

"I am hoping to feature but it is all about who the manager picks on the day.

"You want to be a part of it, wherever you are and I do hope that I am called upon."

And the Celtic forward believes that if he can maintain his position in Ronny Deila's squad next term then he will be going all out to finish as the season's top goalscorer.

"I am pleased to have hit the 20-mark because I basically missed the first half of the season," he said. "If I can start next year where I left off then I fancy myself to get at least 25 - but I think I could do better than that.

"I scored 25 goals for Hibs a few seasons ago, but there are far more chances for me here at Celtic.

"I'd fancy myself to be the top goalscorer. I think any striker will tell you that they fancy their chances if they are playing and feeling confident.

"I feel like I could score every time I walk on to the pitch just now and that comes down to playing every week and feeling sharp and settled."