Lennon begs Edouard to snub offers and stay put

NEIL LENNON has implored Odsonne Edouard to continue his ongoing development with Celtic for at least another year. The 27-goal striker is contracted to the club for another two seasons but is certain to be the subject of concrete interest from all manner of suitors in the summer. It is understood Celtic have an ongoing dialogue with the former Paris Saint-Germain forward’s representatives amid reports in France claiming there had been discussions over an improved deal — with the proviso that Edouard would be allowed to leave in 2021. Although unaware of any formal talks having taken place, Lennon believes Edouard’s career would only benefit from continuing his stay in Glasgow beyond the current campaign. ‘He’s

improving all the time,’ said Lennon. ‘He’s a talismanic player for us. He’s been absolutely magnificent this season. ‘But I think there’s more to come from him. I hope he’s doing that here with us. ‘I think there’s improvement in him. He can get better. But he’s already a highly talented player.’ Asked if he’d advise Edouard (right) to stay, Lennon added: ‘Yeah, why not? But I don’t know what’s out there for him. I’m sure there’s plenty of suitors, so it won’t be down to my decision. ‘I’ll do all I can to keep him. We’ll wait and see. He’s not the type to be banging down your door. He seems quite happy. ‘He’s laid back. He’s got 27 goals already this season and I think he can get to 30 comfortably and that would be a wonderful season for him but it’s not just his goals. ‘His all-round game has been absolutely superb.’ Asked about suggestions that Edouard’s camp were now negotiating an improved deal, Lennon added: ‘You are asking the wrong man. I’d love to (give him new deal). I’d give him a five-year deal tomorrow if I could but I don’t know anything about that. ‘I would know (if there were talks). If there’s something in the offing then that would be great but I haven’t touched on it with Peter (Lawwell) yet. But if it’s true then brilliant.’ Lennon takes his side to Livingston tomorrow seeking to retain their 12-point lead at the top of the Premiership. Kristoffer Ajer is a doubt for the match but both Callum McGregor and James Forrest should be in contention having been in the wars in the Scottish Cup tie at St Johnstone. ‘Kris Ajer has felt his thigh a little bit, so we’ll wait and see how he is on Wednesday, but the rest of the team came through the game okay,’ said Lennon. ‘James is fine. There’s been no reports of any discomfort. ‘He’s lucky, it could have been a bad one, but he’s got big thighs and he rides the tackles quite well. ‘Callum is going to be in a plastic cast of some sort. Nir (Bitton) has absolutely hammered the ball at him from five yards away. He came legging it over and said he needed a caffeine shot. ‘He was feeling a little bit of discomfort in it this morning, but he should be okay.’ Jozo Simunovic’s knee complaint means he won’t be risked on the plastic surface but Lennon is adamant the Croatian remains central to his plans despite his costly blunder in last week’s Europa League loss to Copenhagen. Asked if the defender would bounce back, Lennon said: ‘Absolutely. We got it back to 1-1, so that didn’t cost us the game. It was the game management in the two minutes after we scored that cost us. We were all culpable for that. I didn’t need to have a chat. He’s in a good place.’