John Baird has opened up on Leigh Griffiths’ shock move to Australian third-tier side Mandurah City.

The 31-year-old forward is poised to fly out to Australia in the coming days after agreeing to make the move Down Under to explore new options after becoming a free agent.

The Dolphins only have four games remaining this season but Griffiths could make his debut against Forrestfield.

Ex-Raith Rovers and Falkirk striker Baird is player-manager at the club, which is located 45 miles of state capital Perth.

Griffiths, who had been training with Scottish Premiership side Livingston during pre-season to build his fitness levels, is keen to explore what Australia has to offer, with the A-League set to return in a couple of months time.

Baird told the Scottish Sun: "Leigh is a friend of mine and he's coming over for a holiday and a look round.

"I think he has some family nearby so he's eager to come over and see everyone and have a look at the club.

"We only have four games left this season but he's going to come over and see what he thinks of the place.

"I never actually played with Leigh in Scotland but I've played against him many times and he's a friend.

"I know he's been keeping up his fitness back in Scotland while looking for a club and was working hard at Livingston.”