Neil Lennon has told current Hoops boss Ronny Deila to keep a little bit "of the devil" in Leigh Griffiths.

The Hoops forward has bagged 18 goals so far this season but had a fight initially to win his place in the Norwegian's team.

It took until the turn of the year last season before Griffiths forced his way into the team - but he has since shown what he is capable of.

And while Deila has praised the professionalism and attitude that the striker has shown off the park, Lennon has insisted that the player's nature is what can bring out the best in him.

“He is a natural goalscorer and you can’t coach that, his movement was always very good," said Lennon, who signed Griffiths for Celtic.

“He’s got a bit of the devil in him – you don’t want to coach that out because some players need that, it helps them play with an edge.

“He’s been consistent wherever he’s gone and we had no qualms about signing him.

“We were very happy with his contribution, we only worked with him for about five months.

“He is maybe not at the level of a [Gary] Hooper but is without doubt a quality finisher and one you could work with and make even better. I’ve got a lot of time for him and I’m glad things are going well now at Celtic.

“There was no reason for us to think otherwise, he’s a good kid.”

Meanwhile, Lennon has revealed that he still calls on advice from his old Celtic and Leicester boss, Martin O'Neill.

The Republic of Ireland manager will be at the European Championships in France this summer and Lennon believes that he owes a significant debt to O'Neill.

The relationship between the two was often referred to as a 'father-son' one after they worked together at both Leicester and Celtic. And Lennon still picks up the phone to the Irishman.

Lennon has had a difficult time at Bolton this season, with the club currently occupying second-bottom spot in the Championship, having won just one game all season.

“Martin is still a port of call for me in terms of advice now," said Lennon. "There's no question he was a role model and mentor for me for a very long time.

“I probably wouldn’t be in the position I am today without his contribution. Whenever I need any advice I always go back to Martin."

Celtic: Keeping the Faith, by Richard Purden, is out now in paperback (Freight Books, £8.99)