LEIGH Griffiths came off the bench last night to answer the critics, remind Brendan Rodgers of his talent and save Celtic by scoring with three minutes remaining to give them a winning start to their Europa League campaign against Rosenborg.

The striker got the only goal of a tie which looked to be heading for a scoreless draw on a what was largely a frustrating night in Glasgow for the home support.

And it was ironic that it was the Scotland international who grabbed the headlines for the right reasons.

Griffiths woke up yesterday to back pages filled with his manager Rodgers insisting the striker needed to do more in his overall play, and hours before this match was found guilty of speeding on what was an eventful day for him.

However, the 28-year-old was once again pleased to show everyone what he is best at after netting his 102nd goal in Celtic colours with a superbly taken header after replacing Odsonne Edouard who had endured a torrid night.

Griffiths said: “I’m buzzing. I wanted to come on and make an impact. Scott Brown dinked it to the back stick and I just gambled on Dedryck (Boyata) winning the header. I ran inside and it was right in my path. I managed to direct it on target.

"You could say it’s the dream scenario although I’d rather play a bit longer but it’s up to the manager what he wants to do.

“Before I went on, the manager said to me that when we got the ball wide to make sure I was in the box. Ultimately, it wasn’t really a cross I got on the end of. It was a header from Dedryck. I was delighted to be in between the posts to put it away.

“I’ve done it for years. I don’t know why people keep doubting me and say I can’t score goals in the big occasion. I’ve done it in the Champions League, the Europa League, the League Cup, the Scottish Cup and the league.

"There are still people out there doubting me and saying that I can’t do this and that. But I keep shutting people up.

"As a forward, it’s always going to be based on scoring goals. It is frustrating when people say ‘he can’t do this or that’. I’m judged on how I play on the park and how many goals I score.

“Ultimately, it’s about getting three points foe the team and that’s what I’m good at."

This victory was Celtic first ever in an opening group stage of either European competition in 15 attempts going back to 2001.

The three points was a welcome end to an evening which for so long looked destined to end in a draw.

Rosenborg came to Glasgow for a point and they almost got there through dogged defending and poor play from Celtic in front of goal.

However, Griffiths needed just one chance to become the hero.

He said: “The manager isn’t having a go at me (with his comments). He just said that the game is evolving and that strikers are doing more running and racking back.

"I don’t have to prove anything. He sees me day in day out. He knows how hard I work on and off the park. When I come on, I try and make an impact to keep myself in the starting eleven.

“I nearly got crushed at the the far side in the celebrations. Listen I was happy to get the win and to get that goal coming off the bench. There was a lot of frustration in the celebration. It’s a big weight off my mind.

“People keep doubting me but I like shutting people up."

Griffiths was fined £200 and given three penalty points after his denials were rejected at Dundee Justice of the Peace Court after a three day trial.

Asked if there was any chance of him being late for the game, he said: “I wouldn’t say I rushed! The management knew what time I was going to get here and I’m thankful for their understanding.

“It was one that I had to take on the chin. It’s done with now. I’m finishing the night on a high. I go home and will sleep like a baby. I look forward to Sunday now.”