‘Talisman Odsonne is one of the greats’

was very reassuring to have him on the bench because he is a class player.

‘He had a toe injury and it was tender. He had an X-ray on Friday and his foot was in a boot but he did a fitness session at night and it felt better.

‘We were concerned he wouldn’t do the full 90 minutes, so it worked out okay. He looked really sharp for the half hour he was on and made an incredible impact.

‘You could see the lift he gave the team and his second goal was a great finish. He’s playing better than ever and I’m delighted with that.’

Acknowledging that goal difference may be important in the title battle with Rangers, Lennon was happy to see his team ease into a five-point lead at the top of the table, which their rivals will attempt to eat into as they tackle one of two games in hand away to Hearts this afternoon.

He added: ‘We’re racking up the goals and that might be important towards the end of the season. The most important thing, though, is that we have won and we have a five-point cushion at the minute. It’s a great win for us.’

While Edouard was able to play a part yesterday, team-mates Kristoffer Ajer, Mo Elyounoussi, Boli Bolingoli, Jeremie Frimpong and Nir Bitton all missed out injured.

Lennon will now assess the fitness of each ahead of Wednesday’s trip to St Johnstone.

‘We have had to make enforced changes as we have a lot of injuries, maybe seven or eight potential first-team starters,’ he said.

‘The amount of games take their toll, even though we have had the break.

‘A couple are out with a virus and trauma injuries, and there’s not a lot you can do about that.

‘One or two have softtissue injuries, so that’s not a major concern.

‘Ajer will train on Monday, Ryan Christie will be back in the squad, and Elyounoussi isn’t far away. Bitton could be another week, so we’re getting some quality back.

‘The players out there at the minute, though, are doing a great job.’