Sunday 18 December 2016 13:44, UK
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths hopes he has convinced boss Brendan Rodgers he is worth an extended run in the team after scoring in his third successive game.
Griffiths hit the net 40 times last season and started the current campaign in impressive form with seven goals in the opening nine games before suffering a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Moussa Dembele stepped into the striker's berth and hit 13 goals in the following 17 matches.
Dembele is still leading the way with 17 goals, but Griffiths took his tally to 12 as he and Nir Bitton netted in the 2-1 victory over Dundee to ensure the team remain unbeaten in domestic competition this season.
And Griffiths is determined to prove his worth as Celtic prepare for the visit of Glasgow rivals Partick on Tuesday.
"I am in the team to score goals and help the team get three points and if I continue to do that I will be happy to stay in the team.
"But the decision rests with the gaffer in who decides to play, regardless of whether it is me or Moussa, we are always guaranteed to score goals.
"It is just about me keeping that jersey off him or if the gaffer can get us both in the team so be it."
Meanwhile, Rodgers has stressed the importance of the January break for Celtic after the win over Dundee stretched their lead at the top of the table to 11 points having played two fewer league games than the second place team.
In the midst of a trying nine-game December, the Hoops boss made five changes to his side - one enforced due to the suspension of skipper Scott Brown, and Rodgers believes the break will benefit his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Rodgers said: "I know every club is different but for us it is absolutely massive. It will be a welcome break for us.
"One, to recover the body and the mind and to prepare for second part of the season and in that period reflect on how the first part of the season has gone to look at the areas where we can do better.
"And then obviously maybe add one or two signings to come in and then really kick on in the second part of the season.
"The players have been phenomenal in their work, they are performing really well."
