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Anthony Stokes should use Griffiths as example - Boyd

Anthony Stokes was upset at being left out of the match day squad for Celtic's game against Inverness last Sunday<br />&nbsp;
Anthony Stokes was upset at being left out of the match day squad for Celtic's game against Inverness last Sunday
 
Anthony Stokes was upset at being left out of the match day squad for Celtic's game against Inverness last Sunday
 

ANTHONY STOKES should look to Leigh Griffiths to see how his career at Celtic could turnaround, according to former Hoops skipper Tom Boyd.

The Dublin man took to social media last Sunday to express his disgruntlement at being left out of the squad for the 3-1 win over Inverness at the Tulloch Caledonian stadium. Boss Ronny Deila described the 27-year-old's actions as disrespectful to his team-mates and the player later apologised.

Stokes has only featured twice this season, but Boyd urged him to consider how the fortunes of Griffiths have changed since he was initially unable to pin down a regular place when Deila took over from Neil Lennon in the summer of 2014. Griffiths, however, forced his way into contention and ended the campaign with 20 goals and has not looked back, with his strike against Inverness his 19th of the season.

"The perfect example would be Leigh Griffiths and the start he had here at Celtic under the manager when he wasn't being selected," Boyd said.

"Then he was and hit a bit of form and now he is the first striker on the team sheet. So he's an example to everybody who is waiting on the wings for what you have to do and how you have to prepare.

"I do believe that Anthony is doing some of that. He is doing a few extra training sessions. It's just a matter of biding your time until those opportunities come along."

Stokes has not played since Celtic's 3-1 win over Dundee United in October and he caused quite a stir last Sunday morning by tweeting: "Buzzing to be brought all the way up to inverness with the team to sit in the stands today, lovely weather for it too."

The former Hibernian forward followed it up by tweeting: "Who gives a f*** about wages when your not playing games! It's all about playing and contributing not picking up a wage."

He then later tweeted: "Sorry for earlier tweet. Hope fans can appreciate my frustration. Heat of the moment."

Last month, midfielder Kris Commons apologised for reacting angrily to being substituted during a Europa League defeat away to Norwegian side Molde. Boyd, who played for Celtic between 1992 and 2003, claimed players' frustrations will occasionally boil over.

The former Scotland defender said: "These are just players who have a passion and feeling for the football club.

"They're just disappointed - we've all been there. I was there myself towards the end of my career. Thinking that you're doing everything, but obviously the manager doesn't see fit to include you. You've now seen them come out and apologise. They know they've done wrong.

"I've done it myself, but we made up, made our peace and it was forgotten about. In the next moment or the next game, I'm sure that won't be taken into any account."