Celtic boss Neil Lennon seems to have given a clue about who will start up-front for the Hoops against Rangers on Sunday.
The Celtic manager has all but confirmed that Odsonne Edouard will lead the line for the Scottish champions in the game.
“Pretty much sure he’ll start”
“Odsonne’s an outstanding centre-forward. I’m pretty much sure he’ll start on Sunday, and he makes us better” Lennon said, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
“He’s a threat and I like his physicality. I like his pace – he comes to life in the final third, and he’s such a clever player.”
Edouard didn’t score in the 2-1 Boxing Day win over St Mirren, but he was very influential on the game. He played a part in both of the goals that were scored by the Hoops, and was excellent overall.
Having Edouard fit to start the derby – if that is what happens – will be a major boost for the Hoops. The player was only fit enough to play the last 35 minutes of the last meeting between the Glasgow rivals, in the Betfred Cup Final.
Very influential in last derby appearance
He didn’t score in the game. However, just like against St Mirren he was very influential in the game. He won the foul which led to Christopher Jullien’s winning goal.
There has to be some doubt about Edouard completing the 90 minutes against Rangers. He has yet to complete a full game for the Hoops since returning from injury in the aforementioned Betfred Cup Final.
However, Edouard is still capable of having an impact on the game even if he is not 100% fit. He showed that in the cup final, and in his appearances since then.
Hopefully if he cannot complete the 90 minutes against Rangers, he can play for at least 70 minutes. That gives him more than enough time to have a positive influence on the game for the Hoops.
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