NO CHANCE OF BLOCK ON EDOUARD

BRENDAN RODGERS insists there was never any prospect of Paris Saint-Germain preventing their on-loan striker Odsonne Edouard featuring against his parent club in the Champions League.

Edouard moved between the two clubs on transfer deadline day and scored on his Celtic debut in Friday night’s Premiership victory over Hamilton Accies.

The 19-year-old is now in contention to play a part against PSG in Tuesday’s Group B opener at Parkhead but, just as Patrick Roberts was able to play against Manchester City last term, Rodgers believes the French club will welcome the exposure of one of their young talents.

‘It was never mentioned,’ says Rodgers. ‘It was similar to Pat when he played and scored against Manchester City. These clubs see it as a great learning curve for the young players. They’re happy for them to go out.

‘To play at that level is a great experience for them and their parent club maybe gets the benefit later on.

‘Certainly, it will add value to the player.’

There is a clear distinction between Edouard’s situation and that of Ryan Christie, who has been loaned by Celtic to Premiership rivals Aberdeen but has been forbidden from playing against the Glasgow team for the season.

‘At different levels it works differently,’ says Rodgers, adding with a smile: ‘There’s a fair chance that the parent club doesn’t really see us as a threat.’