Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has admitted that it was “a kick in the teeth” to hear that Steven Naismith looks set to hang onto the Scotland striker’s shirt for next month’s Nations League tie against Israel.

Naismith was the architect of one and scored another as Alex McLeish’s side clocked up a 2-0 win over Albania at Hampden last week but for Griffiths, who has been a mainstay of the national side, it has been frustrating to accept the slide down the pecking order.

The Parkhead forward cut a furious figure at Hampden last Monday night in the aftermath of the game and his mood was not helped by McLeish suggesting post-match that it would be difficult to look beyond Naismith when it comes to picking his team next month.

“It’s a kick in the teeth,” said Griffiths. “Not just for me but for all the strikers.

“It’s an incentive to work hard at our clubs and try to change his mind. “I was surprised as well. These things happen. Naisy came in and did really well. He scored, ran about, and did his job.

“I was a bit surprised to see he (McLeish) has already selected him for the next game.

“But that’s his choice. If he wants to make that call, it’s fine.

“I’ll be working harder at my club to prove him wrong, and to try to get in the side.

“I wouldn’t say I done enough, not against Belgium anyway. It was always going to be hard against that class of opponent.

“You just need to take these things on the chin. I’ve had setbacks with Scotland before, this was another one.

“I’ll just got away and work even harder to make sure I am on top form the next time the internationals come around.”

When Brendan Rodgers arrived at Celtic, Griffiths looked like the only player who was assured of a start the following season. The striker had netted 40 goals before Rodgers arrived on the back of a difficult final campaign for Ronny Deila but, ironically, it was Griffiths who found himself on the outside looking in as Moussa Dembele arrived.

There were question marks over whether he could cut it at European level, at international level. He has since ticked both boxes but he has had to be dogged at hanging in at Celtic; even as he signed a long-term deal to keep him at the club last Friday morning there was a note of caution as Rodgers maintained that there was still plenty of work for Griffiths to do.

“I have been doubted my whole life - but I keep shooting people down,” said the 28-year-old. “It seems every season I have to prove people wrong.

“I do my talking on the pitch, that means doing well for Celtic and putting the ball in the back of the net.”

Having celebrated a century of goals for the Parkhead side last month, the striker could do with adding to his tally this week.

Celtic host Rosenborg at Celtic Park on Thursday evening as they kick off their Europa League campaign.

The tournament does not carry the same intrigue and glamour of the Champions League and Rosenborg themselves will add to the lack of freshness given the regularity with which Celtic have faced the Norwegians in recent seasons.

Still, for Griffiths it is the chance to put down a marker in terms if European football this season.

“The games come around quickly," said thee striker. "We’ve got a big squad and are going to have to utilise everybody.

“It’s a big game first up on Thursday. It’s good we have played them before this season. We know what we are going in to on Thursday.

“We have to make sure this game counts and we take advantage. It’s a difficult group and we are looking to get off to a good start.

“It’s important to take maximum points from our home games and hopefully pick up results away from home.

“We want to get off to a flier.

“They are a good side and difficult to play against. You saw it when they took the lead in the first leg at Parkhead.

“We bounced back and scored three good goals. We deserved to go through in the end.

“It’s different this time because there are points up for grabs.

“I believe we can make an impression in the Europa League. It’s a tough group but if we can get through it there are some pretty big teams we could be drawn against.

“We have a good squad and we want to make a mark in this competition."

At the minute Odsonne Edouard, Celtic's record signing this summer, has the starting jersey but after signing a long-term deal to keep him at Rodgers' side, Griffiths is ready to fight the Frenchman for the starting slot.

“I’m delighted to get the contract over and done with, it was a long time coming," he said. "I’d like to have capped it off with a goal but it’s nice I can just get on with things.

“The big man (Odsonne) has done well. I can’t fault him. He’s got the shirt just now and I need to try to take it off him.

“He played well again on Friday and was unlucky with a few chances. We have a big week together now to get ready for Rosenborg."