ODSONNE EDOUARD has struck fear into FC Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken as he prepares his team for tomorrow night’s Europa League last-32 confrontation with Celtic.
The Danish gaffer, who saw his team lose 1-0 to relegation-threatened Esbjerg on Friday night in their first game back after their extended winter break, reckons the Hoops’ 24-goal striker could wreck his plans for a place in the next round.
Former Wolves gaffer Solbakken, speaking to the Evening Times, said: “Celtic are not a one-man team, but you’d always say that Edouard will be the main threat to us.
“He’s probably their best individual player and he’s also their biggest matchwinner. But, overall, they’re very dangerous.
“Celtic are very stable right now, a really strong team. They’ve found a rhythm now with the new 3-5-2 system.
“They have a good mix in their team with their defensive players, but also really good offensive players who can create, as well.
“They’re in a good place and they’ve picked up real momentum in the last six weeks, which I’ve seen for myself.”
Celtic , though, will be wary of their previous visit to the Parken Stadium 14 years ago when Gordon Strachan saw his team being swept away in an embarrassing one-sided encounter.
Solbakken was in charge who eased to a 3-1 win and were three goals ahead before the hour mark. Jiri Jarosik claimed the visitors’ consolation.
In the earlier tie in Glasgow, Kenny Miller struck the only goal of a tense confrontation from the spot.
The Danish gaffer added: “I remember both ties in 2006 very well. In the first game in Glasgow, Kenny Miller scored a penalty to win 1-0 and Celtic were better than us that night.
“But we were better than them in the second game at the Parken.
“Hopefully, in this tie, we can stay alive before we go to Celtic Park. It’s such a difficult place to go, but for my players, it should be a good experience for them.
“The atmosphere is great there because it’s a big traditional stadium.
“I wouldn’t say we definitely need a lead to take to Glasgow. If we can get a 0-0 at home, everything will be open for the second leg.
“We’ve had very even games in all of our Europa League matches and I’m sure this one will be the same.
“But we’ve been very strong at home for a long time and we want to keep that going.”
