Electric Edouard gives Celtic another transfer headache for summer

STEVEN GERRARD bemoaned the lack of respect that UEFA gives the Europa League, insisting that the governing body does little other than pay lip service to its second-tier tournament. The lack of

VAR at this stage of the competition underpins the feeling that the Europa League is an afterthought compared to the wealth and glitz of the premier competition.

Problem is, it could get significantly worse for Scottish teams as the rich clubs seek to get richer. At the end of last month, UEFA-approved plans for a new third competition – the Europa Conference League – which would slash the number of teams competing in the current Europa League from 48 to 32.

Alarmingly for Scottish clubs, only teams in the top 15 ranked nations will contest the Europa League. To frame that, Scotland are currently ranked 19th and would need a particular kind of miracle to get them into 15th by the time that UEFA wish to roll out this tournament in 2021-22.

Recent results have nudged possible to unearth a Dembele or an Edouard – who still cost the club a record fee when he signed a permanent deal last summer – it is not an easy task.

Celtic’s business model has been long established but even in the heady days of the likes of the previously unknown Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk, the striking position was always a problem, Gary Hooper excluded.

Spoiled in recent seasons with the pedigree of Dembele and Edouard, going out and doing that again will be a tough proposition for a club who haven’t yet made a decision on Nick Hammond, who was brought in as a temporary head of recruitment following the departure of Lee Congerton.

But with Leigh Griffiths still struggling for full fitness and

Vakoun Bayo still to make a name for himself at the club, there could be a real problem this summer ahead of Champions League qualifiers.

Aside from the fact that Edouard’s exploits will inevitably bring suitors to the table this summer, the striker has already spoken of his wish to go and play for France in the Olympics in Japan, games which would clash with Celtic’s early European qualifying rounds.

Having bagged four goals in two games for the French Under-21 side last month in games against Albania and Czech Republic, Edouard will know himself that his stock will rise far more significantly in the colours of his country than it will with Celtic.

The Parkhead side paid £9million for Edouard but will more than double their money whenever they cash in on him. And if recent evidence is to be offered, then there is a fairly compelling case for suggesting they hold out for top dollar.

Kieran Tierney has barely muddied his boots at Arsenal but has already won plaudits for hitting the ground running after making an immediate impact while Dembele and Van Dijk’s career trajectory scorns the theory that Scottish football cannot advance players.

But whatever is imminent with Edouard’s situation, there is a need for a busy January. Gelling players into the team rather than blooding them at the start of a season would seem like a sensible way to go rather than another frantic summer.

Scotland up but the big problem is they have only this season and next to try to leap four places and avoid a slide into a third-level tournament.

It adds to the pressure on both Celtic and Rangers to acquit themselves well this term while also revealing the true and lasting extent of the damage that early exits do to the country and its co-efficient.