JAMES FORREST believes the continued reports of envious clubs casting their attention in the direction of Odsonne Edouard proves the French talisman is doing something right.
And Celtic are benefiting from consistent top-class displays from the Frenchman who rolled in his 26th goal of the season in the 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend.
The Scotland international winger insists his £9million team-mate, the most expensive buy in the club’s history when he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018, is ready to shine again when FC Copenhagen provide the opposition at Parkhead on Thursday night.
The Hoops go into the Europa League last-32 encounter on the back of last week’s 1-1 deadlock in the Danish capital and all the talk of clubs spying on Edouard will inspire the elegant frontman again.
Forrest, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “That’s a positive for him and for the club and for the players, as well, because you know you’re playing with a really good player.
“He’s putting in performances in every game and every competition, so it’s good for us that we’ve got him and, hopefully, he can just keep doing what he’s doing.
“All the boys know if he gets a chance he is more likely to score it than not.”
Looking ahead to the clash against the Danish champions, Forrest added: “There were mixed feelings last week. It was a good result in hindsight because they missed a penalty, but we had a lot of chances in the first-half and we probably could have killed it.
“Away from home in Europe to get a 1-1 is a good result and we’ve got the second leg now at home, but because we played well on the break and had a few chances, it was a bit of a mixed night.
“But we got the away goal which is really important and we will be confident on Thursday.
“We know if we can keep it tight, defend from the front and defend as a team like we did in Copenhagen, we’ve got a lot of good players who can hurt them.
“We made a lot of really good chances over there and could have scored more and that’s a real positive for us.
“The strength of the squad helps. We’ve got some real quality players in the team and also ones who aren’t playing.
“The staff keep on at us all the time and when you’re still in Europe after Christmas and going for leagues and cups, as well, everyone is right up for it.
“You have to play well to stay in the team, too, so I think that’s why everyone’s performances have been so good of late.”
