Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Edouard must have “ice in his veins” to lead line for Celtic says Coyne
FORMER Celtic striker Tommy Coyne reckons Odsonne Edouard must have “ice in his veins” to handle the pressure of leading the line for the Hoops so smoothly.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has scored five goals in nine matches this season to f ol l ow hi s Scottish Cup Final double.
T h e c l u b ’s record signing has netted four goals against Rangers and Coyne believes he is getting better and better ahead of Celtic’s trip to Ibrox on Sunday.
“I think he’s fantastic,” said Coyne.
“For someone who is so young. I went to Celtic at 27 and felt the pressure but at 19-20, he must have ice in his veins.
“His hold-up play i s fantastic and I think it’s improving since Neil (Lennon) has come in. I think it i s suiting him better, he gets more of the ball, and I think he is going to turn i nto a fantastic player.
“Any player in the Celtic team playing with such confidence and doing well week in, week out, i s always going to go to somebody in England and Europe, it’s just a matter of time.
“If the money is right for the club then he will be sold but until that case I don’t think Celtic will sell him.”
Like Edouard, Coyne knows about scoring against Rangers. The former Dundee striker scored the only goal in an Old Firm Scottish Cup derby in February 1990.
“For that game, I don’t think you are ever forgotten, scoring in the Old Firm, especially if you win,” he said.
“It definitely gives you that kind of feeling that the fans are right behind you because there is nothing better than scoring in an Old Firm game. You just go in there hoping to do the best you can and come out with a result that makes everyone happy.”