ODSONNE EDOUARD fired blanks in France Under-21s’ 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein in Vaduz last night.
The Celtic frontman, who has claimed a mere six goals for the Hoops this season. failed to get on the scoresheet in a one-way performance that saw his nation have 12 attempts on target while dominating 84 per cent of possession.
Edouard, the champions’ top scorer last term with 28 strikes, was taken off in the 73rd minute with the French youngster already 4-0 ahead. The home side were two goals up in only five minutes through efforts from Colin Dagba and Romain Faivre. When Benoit Badiashile added a third in 17 minutes it looked as though the Hoops fans’ favourite would add to his tally of nine goals in his past six appearances at this level.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide claimed a fourth shortly after the turnaround, but Edouard’s opportunity to join the rout was over when he was replaced with 17 minutes to go.
Edouard is likely to be given the nod to lead the attack again in the final Group D qualifier against Switzerland on Sunday. Both nations have already qualified for next summer’s finals.
The 22-year-old forward, who cost the Parkhead side a club record £9million when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2018, tested positive for coronavirus on the previous occasion he was on international duty and was forced to self-isolate in the French capital before returning to Glasgow.
He was left out of the starting line-up in the 4-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park at the weekend, but came on in the 70th minute to set up the fourth goal for his compatriot Olivier Ntcham.
Neil Lennon now has a decision to make before the Premiership resumes with a game against Hibs at Easter Road a week tomorrow. Albian Ajeti, who has collected five goals since his £5million arrival from West Ham, was in pole position against the Lanarkshire outfit before making way for Edouard.
