Odsonne Edouard was a surprise spectator at for the 3-2 win over Livingston which may have put fear into the hearts of Hoops fans across the country but Neil Lennon was quick to play down speculation that his omission was anything other than for physical reasons.
The Daily Record reported the gaffer’s post match interview in which the obvious questions were asked about the 22-year old’s future and he was his usual emphatic self in response:
“He played for France, then for us on Saturday and Wednesday. I spoke to him on Friday and he said he was struggling to start the game so you have to look after the player. We have a duty of care to him.
“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 in him.
“I am hoping that 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 is not causing any problems behind the scenes as far as I’m aware. He was honest enough to say he wasn’t fit enough to start and I have to take his word on that.
“Odsonne is not for sale. A lot of this is rumbling on behind the scene and it’s just speculation at the minute.
“The club will do what the club does best for the club and we’ll act accordingly if and when any scenario comes up like we always do.
“Of course, we have a contingency if something outrageous happened. We have a number of options but we 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.”
Even before the transfer window opened Edouard was the subject of speculation with Arsenal in particular said to be interested, however, it wouldn’t have gone unnoticed that Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has signed a new contract with the Gunners making a move a lot less likely.
Will he stay or will he go?
Stay
Go
It’s no coincidence that when the Frenchman isn’t firing on all cylinders or not in the starting XI, Lennon’s men just don’t look as fluent in attack, not only does he frequently provide the space or the final pass to play in teammates but when he doesn’t, he is invariably the man on the end of chances.
Albian Ajeti has settled well into life in green and white and has shown that he can certainly carry the goal scoring burden, however, any hopes of continuing the impress domestic dominance of recent seasons surely depend on the future of Edouard – let’s hope that speculation remains purely what it is, talk and not much else.