CHRIS SUTTON wrote a whole column about the need for Leigh Griffiths to be back among the goals for Celtic as soon as possible – but obviously when the striker is mentally ready.
I don’t think there are many fans who would argue against having Leigh in the squad and Sutton is right when he says it would give the squad and Neil Lennon a shot in the arm to have the striker back in action before the end of the season.
What irks me though is Sutton’s constant heckling of Odsonne Edouard, citing the player’s transfer fee (which he has no control over) as the reason for the continual digs he takes at the Frenchman.
All season, Sutton has said Edouard is not doing enough and there are fans who buy into this. However, a fit Edouard has proven to be very useful, especially in the past month. The Celtic team have struggled to hit their full potential with their manager leaving and so many injuries but with Eddy coming off an injury himself, he has dragged Celtic into the position we’re in because of his persistence and cool head.
Two very late goals at Tynecastle and Dens Park from the striker have won Celtic six points and is the reason they are currently ten clear of second place – not bad. However, according to Chris Sutton, that’s not really relevant.
Sutton wrote: Edouard has nabbed a couple of last-gasp goals away to Hearts and Dundee to win games but I’ve got to be honest, I haven’t seen anything which compensates or makes up for Griffiths’ absence.
What does he want from Edouard exactly?
He has turned games at Celtic and won us games we looked like losing. Coming off the bench at Pittodrie another huge moment this season. Also, last season when Eddy came on at Ibrox to grab the winner with the neatest and coolest of finishes. That’s what the striker gives you, while there may be chaos around him, Eddy keeps his cool.
It’s clear at this point Sutton isn’t going to change his mind on Edouard which is a shame but when Celtic lift the league this season Eddy can be safe in the knowledge he’s done his bit.
Eduard can do things that leigh Griffiths would struggle to do, yes leigh is probably a sharper finisher.
Dont forget Odsonne saved us against Aberdeen aswell. You could argue that we would be 2nd if it wasn’t for him.
I totally agree with this post and disagree with Sutton on this point.
Odsonne is a fantastic player, who does much more than just score goals.
What disappoints me is that both managers this season have so far failed to complement his role by playing him with a second striker beside him.(Sutton had a second striker with him in his successful spell at Celtic). This way we will see the best of odsonne and this is what will open up the boring défenses we encounter in Scottish anti-football. The lad is fine.