Kenny Dalglish is a big fan of Celtic star Odsonne Edouard

By John McGinley

August 25, 2019

Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish has heavily praised Odsonne Edouard ahead of our match against Rangers next week, writing in his regular Sunday Post column (25/08 print edition, Post Match supplement, page 11).

The Frenchman has been a lethal force in the Hoops side since Neil Lennon returned as manager.

His goals fired us towards a ‘treble treble’, proving he was well worth the transfer outlay last summer.

He certainly hasn’t slowed down this season either.

In a column considering the potential selection headache Steven Gerrard has on his hands next week with regards to Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe, Daglish reckons there is only one option to start in attack for Lennon’s side.

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

As quoted by The Sunday Post (25/08 print edition, Post Match supplement, page 11), he said: “It’s Odsonne Edouard – all day long. The young Frenchman cost the club the best part of £9 million from PSG just over a year ago, and he looks every inch the part.

“His free-kick goal the other night against AIK was sensational. He has scored against Rangers at Ibrox before, and he will fancy his chances again.

“He is powerful and has a quiet confidence about him. I like him.”

Will Edouard lead us to glory at Ibrox?

The 21-year-old, on peak form, is arguably our best player.

On Thursday night he earned a nine out of ten in our ratings for the match and it wasn’t simply due to his free-kick. His all-round game is at a stage where it can be credibly compared to the impact Moussa Dembele had at the Hoops.

His strength, ball retention, distribution to teammates and dribbling ability all complement an increasingly potent goal threat.

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

This season he’s already netted five times, also assisting on four occasions (Transfermarkt). Last term, on his way to a 23-goal tally in total, he took until October to score that many.

We should now expect the very best from the Frenchman consistently. He’s earned every bit of Dalglish’s, and others’, praise.

He is full of confidence and has a knack of scoring in big matches. It’s almost certain he is going to have a massive say in the result at Ibrox.

Whether his performance inspires a win or not remains to be seen. I wouldn’t be in a hurry to bet against him, or us.