“How do you keep them happy?” was the first response of Dundee captain, Darren O’Dea, when the Irishman was asked what he makes of Celtic’s latest big money purchase, the club-record signing of 20-year-old French striker, Odsonne Edouard.
The talented Frenchman has made his loan deal at Parkhead permanent and will compete with compatriot, Moussa Dembele, as well as Scotland’s Leigh Griffiths for a starting place in Brendan Rodger’s team.
O’Dea has reservations that the three strikers will be content with battling it out amongst themselves for game-time:
“They’ve spent a huge amount of money. You’ve got Dembele, who’s getting touted for £30m and you’ve got Griffiths, who’s prolific and Scotland’s number one striker.
“Griffiths, he’s matured a lot and he’s done well but he ain’t happy when he’s not playing.
“I know people say, ‘Celtic play 60 games’. Well they’re not going to be happy playing 20 games each because if they play in the system they have played, which is one through the middle, it’s not enough.
“It’s not enough for any one of them. They’re all that good. They’re completely different.”
Griffiths – who at 27, is six years senior too his french colleagues – will be particularly uncomfortable with the notion that he is not assured of first team football.
In recent comments, Griffiths said: “I’m at the time in my career where I need to be playing regular football. Hopefully when I do get that starting jersey I’ll make it my own.”
Celtic’s no.9 impressed during a season disrupted with injuries. Despite being limited to just 22 league appearances Griffiths played a direct role in 11 goals, scoring nine and assisting two more.
However, ex-Celtic striker Scott McDonald has downplayed the issue and believes Rodgers may adapt his system to include two strikers.
“It gives him the opportunity and the option now to change things up if he wants to, and a little bit more in terms of the shape that they play,” the Australian told BBC Radio Scotland.
“People are starting to now wake up to what Celtic are doing and what they do in that certain shape.
“He’s changed it, he’s tried to overload the midfield with six. He can now play two up front if he wants to with Edouard, because I think he looks a better player anyway when he’s playing with someone.”
What do you think Celtic fans? Does O’Dea have a point or are Celtic’s attacking options in a better state than ever?
Let us know your thoughts below.