Celtic manager Neil Lennon has admitted that speculation surrounding Odsonne Edouard’s future has affected the Frenchman’s form this season.
The 22-year-old bagged a brace for France’s Under 21s during the international break but he has only scored one league goal for the Hoops since the opening day of the season, and Lennon says he will sit down with the forward to discuss his mental state:
“Listen, he’s a human being and he’s still young at 22 and there has been a lot of interest or speculation about him. There’s no question it affected him and his performances. He’s been away with France and maybe that will give him a little time at home as well.”
“We’ll have a good discussion with him and, hopefully, he’ll kick on and get back to his best. What we have with Odsonne is an outstanding, talented player and it’s up to us to try and get the best out of him again. It’s also in his own best interests to knuckle down and get back to playing the way he can.”
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa were believed to be the two Premier League clubs interested in signing Edouard before the transfer window closed last month, while Arsenal have also been mentioned as a possible destination on a regular basis.
Whether a heart to heart with the striker will lead to some improved form from the player, we shall have to wait and see. Fans will be hoping he gets on the scoresheet when Celtic face Hibernian at Easter Road tomorrow afternoon. The Hoops will be desperate to close the nine-point gap to Rangers at the top of the table.
