Lennon: 'Outstanding' Edouard makes scoring goals look easy

Neil Lennon has echoed praise for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, saying the Frenchman “looks like he’s playing in the street sometimes”.

Edouard netted a double in his side’s 4-0 win at Motherwell on Wednesday, pouncing on a rebound for his first goal and hitting an impressive free-kick for his second.

The player’s all-round performance drew acclaim from pundit and former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, who drew comparison with Dennis Bergkamp and said the 22-year old could play for any of the top sides in England.

Lennon agreed that he had a talented player in his squad and said that had a range of attributes that made him a success.

“He’s an outstanding footballer,” the Celtic manager said. “He looks like he’s playing in the street sometimes. He makes it look easy when it’s not.

“He’s deceptively strong, deceptively quick and he’s got brilliant feet. And he’s as cool as a cucumber.

“We’re delighted with his form. That’s 24 goals this season already. There’s no doubt this is his best season and he will only get better.”

Celtic have switched shape in recent weeks, bringing Leigh Griffiths in to partner Edouard in a 3-5-2 formation. Lennon drew attention to Griffiths’ contribution as he returns to his best but said Edouard was as comfortable playing in a pair or as a lone striker.

“Whether Odsonne enjoys playing with another person up there, you would have to ask him but he’s revelling in the role,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk about Odsonne individually all the time because it’s the sum of all parts. I’ve got a great goalkeeper, defenders who are strong and a midfield as good as anything. Odsonne’s playing brilliantly and the group as a whole are in a good place.”