DAVID MARTINDALE has backed Leigh Griffiths to get his career back on track after offering the former Celtic star training facilities.

Martindale has revealed Griffiths has been keeping himself fit with Livingston and he is convinced the 31-year-old is getting back to his best.

The striker began his professional days at Livi and has been given the full use of his old club in a bid to kick-start a career that has threatened to peter out pitifully.

Griffiths began last season on loan at Dundee and finished it in League One with Falkirk after Celtic cut their ties with the former fans’ favourite in January following eight years with the Hoops.

Off-field issues and fitness problems have plagued the marksman in recent times and he managed just five goals last term.

But an impressed Martindale, who has stressed there is no contract on the table with the Lions, has seen a renewed determination in Griffiths to start afresh.

He said: “Leigh was scunnered with football and he’s a former Livingston player and I wanted to help.

“I know he has had some trouble off the park but everyone in football I have spoken to about him said how good a guy he is. I am finding that myself. 

“He’s worked so hard, he’s lost weight and body fat and he’s been brilliant around the place.

“If I can help anyone, not just Leigh, if I can help any player I will go out my way to do that.

“He’s training well and he is looking for a club and we want to help him do that.

“I want him to get back to where he should be, as we all know how good a player he is. He has to find that player again.

“From a few months ago to now he is in fantastic shape. Probably the best I have seen from him in a year.  What I have seen is that desire to go and do better.

“It would have been easy for him to down tools in the summer and come in here in bad shape.

“But that’s not the case, he’s done a lot of hard work and I’m here to help him with the final bit and get him a club.”

Meanwhile, Livi have loaned striker Jack Hamilton to Paul Hartley’s Hartlepool United for the season.

Martindale said: “I think it’s a great move for Jack. It takes him to a different league and out of his comfort zone.”