CELTIC 3 LIVI 2 HOOPS GO TOP WITH WIN
Neil Lennon left out tired Celtic tired Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard against Livingston – but is adamant the Hoops striker is going nowhere.
The French frontman was an unused sub in the 3-2 victory yesterday that put Lennon’s men
back on top of the Premiership table.
Edouard told his manager on Friday he didn’t feel fit enough to start against the Lions.
But Lennon expects his star man to be back for Thursday night’s Europa League qualifier against FC Riga – and insists there’s no doubt over Edouard’s future.
He confirmed Celtic have had no concrete interest in the classy 22-year- old, who has been linked with Leicester and Arsenal.
And Lennon says if the unthinkable happens, and Edouard leaves in this transfer window, they have a back-up plan to replace him.
He said: “Odsonne was away with France Under-21s then played for us on Saturday and Wednesday.
“On Friday he said he was struggling to start the game – so you have to look after the player.
“We’ve got him fresh for Thursday, which is a very important game for us, and Hibs next week.
“We do not want to sell. We have had no bids or confirmed interest.
“I hope by the end of the window he will still be a Celtic player. He’s a great kid, his attitude has been absolutely fine.
“He was honest to say he wasn’t fit enough to start and I have to take his word on that.
“Odsonne is not for sale. Of course, we have a contingency.
“We have options but don’t want that scenario to develop.
“I know there will be a lot of talk about Odsonne but he’ll be fit and ready for Thursday and we know what a top player he can be.”
Lennon was also quick to qua sh repor ts claiming Italian giants AC Milan are preparing a £ 14million bid for defender Kris Ajer.
The Celtic boss said: “It is disappointing with these stories – it can be unsettling for the player.
“I’m not convinced £14m will cut it anyway.
“There is no truth in it and he’s another player we don’t want to sell.
“We are having to deal with all the speculation but I’m oblivious to most of it. We just have to ignore the noise.”
Lennon’s side went top of the league on goals scored, with rivals Rangers playing Hibs at Easter Road today.
Goals from Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Albian Ajeti sealed the points – but Livi made them sweat when Julien Serrano netted near the end.
Lennon said: “We deserved better. The only disappointment was the second goal we conceded, it was poor from our point of view.
“It just made us go into the last 10 minutes with a bit more trepidation than there needed to be.
“Psychologically, it was just important to win. But now we’re at the top of the league and in a good position.
“Albian has been brilliant. That’s four goals now from open play and his finishing has been fantastic.”