Griffiths back as Celtic seek cutting edge

The pair trained with their team-mates at Lennoxtown yesterday morning before checking in at Glasgow Airport for the flight to Trondheim.

Griffiths is expected to play some part at the Lerkendal Stadion, although he is not certain to start.

Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies said: "Leigh will be travelling with us. He has been working hard to get back.

"He is available for selection, as is Erik Sviatchenko (who is) coming with us as well.

"He (Griffiths) has obviously not been training all the time in the last few weeks, but he has had some good rehab, has worked very, very hard and he is available for us, which is a big boost." Celtic played without a recognised striker in the goalless first leg of the third qualifying-round tie.

Moussa Dembele is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury and Griffiths was suspended for one match, but the Scotland striker would have missed the game with a calf problem anyway.

Asked if he expected Griffiths to play in Norway, Davies said: "I think so, yes, without giving away too much whether he is going to start or not. He is an important player for us and it's good for us going into the game.

"It's important (to have him available). We have a lot of players who are important in terms of scoring goals and creating chances but Griff is an important player for us, he has been since he's been here.

"The manager works closely with him, he has a good relationship with him and we are really pleased that he is available for selection."

Midfielder Tom Rogic played the 'false nine' position against the Eliteserien leaders but without success and manager Brendan Rodgers utilised winger James Forrest up front in a 5-0 friendly win over Sunderland on Saturday. Scott Sinclair has also played through the middle for Celtic.

Asked about the prospect of taking a risk with Griffiths, Davies said: "We don't want to give too much away, understandably so, but he is available with us and looking forward to the game."

Complaint

With Dedryck Boyata out with a knee injury, Norwegian teenager Kristoffer Ajer made his first start for Celtic alongside Jozo Simunovic in central defence in the first leg after Sviatchenko was forced out with a groin complaint.

Davies said: "Erik is travelling so like Griff he has had a rehab process and is going to be travelling with us, which is a boost. We had our last training session today and Erik and Griff took part in that so they are coming with us, and that is important."

Meanwhile, it was revealed that 12 men have been arrested over banners that were displayed at the Champions League qualifier between Celtic and Linfield last month.

Celtic agreed to close the Green Brigade section of their stadium for two games after UEFA charged the club over an "illicit banner" and "blocked stairways" during their 4-0 win over the Belfast team on July 19.

Police Scotland said 12 men, aged between 18 and 49, have now been arrested after a "proactive police investigation into banners and material displayed".

They have all been released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court later this month.

UEFA fined Celtic about £20,000 and said the "illicit banner" charge related to a display "portraying a person in a paramilitary uniform".

Celtic's partial stadium closure, which affected 900 season-ticket holders in the safe-standing section of the ground, will be lifted after the match with Hearts on Saturday.