MY BHOY LOLLY POP

Rodgers smashes Celtic’s transfer record after paying £10m for Edouard and insists: He’s worth every penny

BRENDAN Rodgers has hailed Odsonne Edouard as one of the hottest prospects in Europe after snapping up the French ace from PSG in a record £10m deal.

The 20-year-old last night put pen to paper on a bumper fouryear deal at Parkhead to become the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Hoops boss Rodgers admitted he was thrilled to bag the hitman – who rattled 11 goals in 29 appearances on loan last season – and he is predicting a huge future for the France under 20 star.

Rodgers said: “We’re delighted to make such an important signing. Odsonne is one of the best young players I have worked with and one of the best in Europe.

“Our fans saw exactly what he is capable of last season and we look forward to working with him again as we look to build on the tremendous success we achieved last year. I am sure he will be a big player again for us this season.”

Edouard admitted he was delighted to return to Celts because he feels right at home with the Scottish champions. The frontman is already a hero for Parkhead punters after his sensational winner when the champs beat Rangers with 10 men in the crucial 3-2 victory in March and he followed it up with a double in the 5-0 Old Firm demolition derby at Celtic Park to wrap up the Premiership title. Edouard said: “From the moment I walked into Celtic, the club has felt like home to me. I have been made to feel welcome by everyone at the club and our fans have given me such brilliant support.

“Celtic is one of the world’s great football clubs and I was desperate to make my move permanent.”

Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell thrashed out the mega money deal – the richest in Celtic’s history and the biggest fee spent in Scotland since Tore Andre Flo’s £12m move to Rangers from Chelsea in 2000.

The chief executive said: “The signing of Odsonne from Paris Saint-germain demonstrates our absolute commitment to ensuring we give our fans a club they can be proud of.

“As ever, we will do everything we can to bring our fans the success which this support deserves.”