Griffiths is back in Newcastle after picking up a five week suspension for elbowing an opponent in a Chinese Super League fixture.

An Asian Champions League caution has also ruled him out of next week's clash against Newcastle Jets.

While unhappy to be missing games, he admits the suspension has allowed him precious time to witness the birth of his daughter.

Gizelle Griffiths made her entrance to the world on Tuesday morning and the new dad admits he would have missed the birth had it not been for his ban.

"I had initially been granted a few days off to come back to Newcastle but that was extended when I was suspended.

"They say things happen for a reason. Gizelle arrived on Tuesday morning and before the ban I had been due to fly in on Wednesday," said Griffiths.

Even at the hospital with wife Bianca there was no escaping football though, nor it seems some good-natured stick from pregnant Newcastle fans.

Griffiths said: "While at the hospital I was talking to a (pregnant) woman and she asked me 'Are you playing in the match (against Newcastle)?' I told her I wasn't and she said 'Good, because I'd have had to boo you'.

"All I can say is that I'm relieved because I never wanted to play in the match here."

Newcastle desperately need a victory and Griffiths has suggested there may be reasons for optimism.

He said: "We (Beijing) have a league match on the Friday night and the big thing with the coach and the president is the (Chinese) championship. That is what they talk about, that is what they desperately want to win.

"It could be that the B squad comes over for the Newcastle game, I'm not sure."

In the meantime Griffiths is happy to focus on nappies rather than football. He will take time out to speak to Gary van Egmond though.

He added: "I'd like to get Gary's and the club's thoughts and plans and I'll have my say as well. I'm happy in my life at the moment and whatever happens in the future will be about what's right for my family."