Celtic manager Ronny Deila praises Leigh Griffiths after Scottish Cup win at Stranraer
Monday 11 January 2016 21:55, UK
Celtic manager Ronny Deila praised top scorer Leigh Griffiths after the striker scored twice in the 3-0 victory over Stranraer at Stair Park.
Griffiths made his first start for the Hoops since November 29 when he suffered a calf injury following his goal in a Scottish Premiership victory at Inverness.
The 25-year-old only returned to action last weekend when he came off the bench at the interval and netted the only goal of the game in the Glasgow derby against Partick at Celtic Park.
But he hit the net for the 10th time in nine Scottish Cup ties with the brace at Stranraer, and took his tally to 22 goals for the season.
"He is my dream striker," Celtic boss said as he team eased into Monday's fifth-round draw.
"He is important for us. He scores goals and works really hard for the team so I am very happy to have him back."
Deila was also pleased with the contribution of Carlton Cole who netted his first goal for the club.
"I think Carlton did okay. He played well together with Leigh. They scored three between them, so I can't be very irritated by that," Deila said.
"You can see Carlton is experienced and he knows how to score and be a striker."
And the former West Ham striker Cole was happy with his partnership with Griffiths.
"A win is very pleasing and for me personally to get on the scoresheet," Cole said. "Griff played brilliant and it's great to be alongside a striker who just thinks about goals.
"Griff has been amazing. He's got 21 or 22 goals already - I'd love to have that kind of return.
"He's a top goalscorer and a great asset for the club."
Stranraer manager Brian Reid was pleased with 18-year-old keeper Max Currie who had a fine game as replacement for the injured David McGurn.
Reid said: "This will do him the world of good, his confidence, he made some good saves.
"I was delighted for the boys and all the players. I was pleased with the work ethic but disappointed to lose the goals we did.
"It would have been good to keep it 0-0 at half-time and see what happened from that."
Watch the draw for the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Sky Sports News HQ from 6:15pm on Monday.
