Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has received a class boost today after being called up by France for the under-21 European Championship.
The competition was originally scheduled to take place from June 9th-26th in Hungary and Slovenia. However, the tournament has been re-scheduled due to the postponement of Euro 2021, which will also take place this summer.
The group stages of the competition will now take place during the international break in March. Should Edouard’s France qualify for the knockout rounds as expected, he’ll be back in their squad again for the second half of the tournament between May 31st and June 6th.
France will face Russia, Iceland, and Denmark in a three-game spell respectively. The top two from each group will then qualify for the knockout rounds. And fortunately, the competition won’t halt Edouard back from featuring in any of Celtic’s remaining games between now and the end of the season.
Below is official confirmation of Edouard’s inclusion:
Celtic superstar Odsonne Edouard could put himself in shop window; France opportunity can’t be underestimated
Whilst Edouard’s place in the squad may have been expected by many, it was hardly guaranteed. Not when you look at the players he’s competing with combined with the poor season he’s had.
However, France under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll has clearly seen enough to suggest that Eddy should be involved. When you look at his goal record with the under-21s, you can see why.
Edouard has notched a sensational 15 goals in 10 international appearances at under-21 level [Transfermarkt]. This will, however, be the Celtic striker’s last cycle at this level given he’ll be too old to compete come the next under-21 tournament.
From a Celtic perspective, this is all ideal. It allows Eddy to go out and place himself in the shop window. The European under-21 championships will be littered with scouts providing reports back to their clubs. Edouard is going to be one of if not the key striker for one of the competition’s favourites. Therefore, there will be plenty of eyes on his performances.
The more clubs we can get interested in Edouard’s signature the better. That will give us the best chance to get maximum value for a player entering the final 12 months of his contract. Alternatively, a poor run in the competition will only harm our chances of a decent profit.
Hopefully, and in the group stage in particular this month, Edouard proves himself to be one of the standout players.
In other news, Celtic are reportedly keen on 18-goal Gabon international Aaron Boupendza.
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