ODSONNE EDOUARD will lead Celtic’s historic bid for a tenth successive title when he takes pole position in the attack against Hamilton Accies in the curtain-raiser at Parkhead on Sunday.
Boss Neil Lennon is hoping the Frenchman, scorer of 28 goals last season, gets a helping hand in his quest to fire the Hoops into the record books.
While, the manager refused to confirm West Ham striker Albian Ajeti’s season-long loan switch is a done deal, he is looking to three forwards already at the club to battle it out for a place in his firing squad.
Lennon watched Leigh Griffiths make his comeback as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 win over Hibs at Parkhead yesterday where Patryk Klimala claimed a double and Karamoko Dembele hit his first for the club.
The champions’ gaffer looked at his attacking options and analysed their qualities.
Here are the views of the Irishman, as told to the Daily Record.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
“Leigh was great (against Hibs). He looks great and it’s the best I’ve seen him in a long time, in terms of how he looks in his conditioning.
“I am delighted with his response in terms of what we’ve asked of him. He just has to maintain it now as he will be a real asset for us – no question.
“We will see how he is in the next few days and how he is feeling. He thinks he might need a week to 10 days, or something like that. But we will gauge that as we go.
“Leigh has missed a lot of football over the last few years, but, at 29, he is still at his peak. He just has to maintain that now.”
PATRYK KLIMALA
“Patryk worked hard again. There are aspects of his game he needs to improve on. But you can see a sea change in his demeanour and he’s getting used to the British game now.
“It’s a totally different game to Polish football and we have been pleased with his attitude and how he wants to progress.
“It can be difficult coming to a new environment, but he’s made his point and he’s headstrong.
“He wants to be part of it and wants to bulldoze in and make a contribution, so we are happy with that.”
VAKOUN BAYO
“Vakoun is out with a hamstring injury, but we are hoping he will be fit at some stage next week.
“However, the game against Hibs will have done both Leigh and Patryk the world of good.”
Ivorian frontman Bayo, who arrived in a £2million deal in January 2019, has struggled with injury and form, but can expect more game-time this time around.
He made 16 appearances – 14 as a substitute last term – and scored twice, one on the 5-0 Betfred League Cup win over Partick Thistle at Parkhead in September and another in the 3-0 Scottish Cup victory over Clyde at Broadwood in February.
