The former Celtic players in the English Premier League have stepped up over the festive period to truly excel for their current clubs and shine a light on the quality being developed by the Bhoys.
Both Kieran Tierney and Mohamed Elyounoussi were on the scoresheets for Arsenal and Southampton in winning performances on Boxing Day.
Today it’s the turn of Odsonne Edouard, who opened the scoring for Crystal Palace at home to Norwich City with a penalty. It’s his first goal for the club since netting against Arsenal in October. The Frenchman also set up Palace’s second and third goals this afternoon, assisting Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Jeffrey Schlupp on their way to a 3-0 halftime lead.
Plaudits have come Tierney’s way, in particular, this week after a stunning goal against the Canaries. Using his trademark running and fearless ambition, the boyhood Celtic fan tore apart the Norwich defence before expertly firing a low shot in off the far post.
Elyounoussi meanwhile struck the opening goal in an impressive 3-2 win away to West Ham United, with an accurate low shot from the edge of the box after good build-up play.
The Norwegian international has credited Celtic for his progress at Southampton this season, telling The Daily Echo last month: “I had to adapt to the physical part of the game. I think I did that quite well at Celtic, I played a lot of games as a striker against big, tall defenders, so I had to hold the ball.
“In general, it was a really good experience to go to Celtic. A huge club, amazing fans and I tried to find myself back to where I was before I came to Southampton. I have grown as a player and as a human being, being there over the two years. I have learned a lot about myself, had family and friends around me being very supportive and helpful. It has been a good experience for me.”
It all contributes to Celtic’s reputation as a place for players to improve, polish their game and become ready for an elite level.
I’ve never been one to feel a sense of bitterness at former Celtic players doing well elsewhere and I hope this trio go on to have a fine 2022 in England.
In other news, Ange makes Celtic Lennoxtown admission; welcome change around the corner.
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