HANDS OFF EDOUARD
BY CRAIG SWAN Lenny tells Frenchman’s growing list of admirers there’s no chance of the striker leaving in January
NEIL LENNON last night insisted Odsonne Edouard won’t be leaving Celtic in January.
The Hoops manager is adamant his high-flying Frenchman isn’t going anywhere despite his stunning form drawing interest from Europe’s big guns. As well as scoring for Celtic at home
and abroad, Edouard’s haul of nine goals in four games for the France Under-21 side, including a hat-trick against Slovakia in midweek, has rocketed his profile.
Parkhead chiefs look certain to face concrete moves during the winter transfer window but Lennon has made it clear his prized asset won’t be sold and is loving his development in Glasgow.
He said: “There’s no chance of him leaving in January. Absolutely not. We’ve got too much to do here. He is a class player and pivotal to us.
“We may or may not be in Europe after January so that’s even more reason for him not to go.
“It wouldn’t hinge on that, absolutely not, but it would be a nice carrot for him, a reason to settle.
“I don’t like watching him playing for other teams. When I heard about his hat-trick, I was like: ‘Oh no!’
“But, seriously, it is great for the profile of the club and it’s fantastic for him that he is playing so well for club and country.
“He will be linked with everybody in the next couple of weeks and come the end of January but we are in no position to sell.
“His representatives are really happy with the way things are going. So long may that continue and he’s a real cool customer.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s playing, looks happy, his all-round game’s coming on and his goals are starting to be something else.
“He’s turned himself into a really prolific goal scorer and looks in a good place. He’s still only 21 so we don’t want to put any extra pressure on him.
“But he takes on a lot of responsibly by being, more or less, the No. 9 here and he’s revelling in it.”
Edouard will lead the line in today’s clash against Ross County.
And although Ryan Christie is suspended and Olivier Ntcham doubtful with an ankle issue, Lennon has confirmed Tom Rogic is ready to go.
The Australian has struggled to find fitness and form this term but the boss said: “Its a nice luxury to have. You lose Ryan for a game or two and Rogic comes in.
“He’s a quality player. He has had his injury niggles and setbacks but he is in great condition and has worked hard over the last few months. He got married there so psychologically he is in a good place.”
Leigh Griffiths is still absent with a thigh issue, while Lennon is also concerned about Mikey Johnston’s slow recovery from hip and groin issues.
He said: “Mikey has been out since the Rangers game and we’ve missed him but it’s not long term.”
Lennon also says his door is open to Karamoko Dembele if the youngster wishes to talk about his international plans.
The 16-year-old opted to represent England but Scotland are understood to be hoping for a U-turn.
Lenny said: “I can always talk to him about it but it will always come from the family first.”