Former Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths joins Australian semi-pro side Mandurah City

Former Scotland international Leigh Griffiths has sealed a surprise move to Australian semi-professional side Mandurah City on a short-term agreement.

The ex-Celtic striker has been without a club since leaving third tier Falkirk at the end of the season but will link up with former Raith Rovers forward John Baird at the Western Australian outfit.

The 31-year-old will take part in Mandurah’s final two home matches of the season against Western Knights and Dianella White Eagles.

Mandurah currently play in Football West State League Division One – the third tier of the Australian game.

A club statement read: “Mandurah Head Coach John Baird is thrilled to have completed the services of the Scotsman for the remainder of the year.

“Leigh is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in not only Mandurah’s history, but one of the biggest in Australian NPL and State League football history.”

President Nigel Mann added: “It sums up where the club is currently at and the hard work we have put in over the years.”

Griffiths, who has 22 caps for Scotland and also represented the likes of Hibernian and Livingston, fell out of favour at Celtic Park in 2019 amid what then-manager Brendan Rodgers described as “issues in his personal life”.

He remained under contract with the club until 2022, though played infrequently under Rodgers and successor Neil Lennon before joining Dundee on loan.

That was terminated in January when his deal was ripped up before he joined Falkirk a month later.

However, he scored just twice in 12 games and was not offered a new contract at the end of the campaign.

Mandurah sit fourth in their league, 11 points off top spot, though thrashed Quinns 8-1 on Saturday.