ODSONNE EDOUARD has been named third on Marca’s top 10 exciting young players list. The French striker was in incredible form last season, scoring 28 goals and notching 12 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions as Celtic steamed towards matching Jock Stein’s 1974 record.

The list was published by Spanish football site Marca and was compiled by Spanish sports journalist Julio Maldonado. Whilst acknowledging his skills, the report suggests that Edouard could even make an impact for World Cup holders France.

“He left Paris Saint-Germain’s academy and he is showing his quality.

“Edouard is 22 years old and has scored 21 goals in the Scottish Premiership.

“He is not playing in a big league and we need to see him in another championship.

“The Celtic star is fast and skilful. He is a modern forward, because he is more than a striker.

“With the France’s under-21s, he has scored 11 goals in six games. We shouldn’t rule him out for Les Bleus’ senior squad.”

Hopefully Celtic can secure Edouard on improved terms as the club look to better Stein’s record and continue creating Scottish footballing history. Since going, initially on loan from PSG, Edouard has matured into a really top talent and whilst it is expected that there will be interest in him, Celtic should stand firm.

The coronavirus global pandemic has re-shaped the football environment completely and the transfer market of the next few windows will be radically different. It will be a buyer’s market with some clubs having to sell cheaply to survive and recover and that’s not a position that Celtic will be in.

Equally Edouard and his advisors will know this and may be more inclined to stay where they are at the moment and look for a move further down the line when the game has had a chance to recover. Edouard also knows the significance of ten-in-a-row and recognises the status that his involvement in delivering this will bring.