There were a lot of sceptics when Celtic managed to get Neil Griffiths from Wolverhampton Wanderers for around £ 800,000. The striker was viewed as a replacement for Gary Hooper, who was allowed to join Premier league outfit Norwich city in the summer. Hooper had been the main source of goals for Celtic in recent years.

Hence, there were doubts raised about the ability of the team to continue challenging for top honours without the England striker. Griffiths, though, has proved more than a capable replacement in the last few weeks and he scored the first hat-trick of his Celtic career in the 5-0 win over Inverness.

Manager Neil Lennon was extremely delighted since this win has also lifted the pressure off his shoulders. The club were defeated 2-1 by Aberdeen last weekend it meant that their title celebrations had to be put on hold for another week. Celtic have a 21 point in the lead after this win. Griffiths has managed to put in impressive performances for Celtic in the last few weeks and it has helped him win a call up for the national team squad against Poland on Wednesday night.

Lennon said that all his goals were of exceptional quality, while he reserved special praise for his opening on the night. According to Lennon, it was a goal that demonstrated his predatory instincts.

"I am delighted for him and he could have had a lot more over the course of the game. His first goal pleased me the most. We have been crying out for a penalty-box striker and that was a great ball and a great finish. He doesn't get disappointed (when he misses), he's hungry for more chances and he took his second and third goals brilliantly. His work-rate has always been good and his goal record is great,” said Lennon.