Celtic Fan View: Should French duo start at Ibrox?

There was a familiar feeling to Celtic’s performance at half-time this weekend. The Bhoys were lethargic, lacking creativity and had a number of individuals playing well below their potential. It’s a constant theme at Parkhead these days, where teams sit extremely deep and successfully frustrate the Hoops. Morton were the latest outfit to be added to the list.

Some of the home faithful may have experienced flashbacks to 2013 when Morton famously knocked Celtic out of the League Cup at Parkhead. There was definitely an air of concern lingering around Glasgow’s east end. The Hoops aren’t in the best of touch at the moment, certainly nowhere near the form of last season. That isn’t going down to well with the natives, especially with the derby with Rangers at Ibrox coming up next weekend.

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They needed some inspiration and quickly to avoid another upset against The Ton. That was provided by Odsonne Edouard. Last year’s Player of the Year, Scott Sinclair is a shadow of the player we seen rip Scottish football to shreds and he was the man to make way for Edouard.

Within a couple of minutes, Edouard did more than Sinclair did in 45 minutes. The young Frenchman played off the left wing, but was far more energetic and his presence in the box alongside Moussa Dembele proved to be a far bigger problem for Morton. He showed a confidence that was severely lacking in the first half as he took players on, won aerial duels, made some excellent runs and made life uncomfortable for the visitors’ backline.

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His work-rate seemed to kick others into gear too, including Dembele, who looked liberated and a lot sharper as he netted a brace. Edouard deservedly scored towards the end with a nice finish. The French connection was too hot to handle in the second half but the question now is, should both start at Ibrox next week?

The form of Sinclair will, of course, be a massive concern for Brendan Rodgers. It’s not just a case of a player being out of form, but Sinclair looks completely lost nowadays. He’s not able to utilise his searing pace against sides sitting in a deep block, which removes one of the best aspects of his game. On top of that, the Englishman doesn’t look like beating his marker, while his threat in front of goal just isn’t the same.

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It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rodgers stick with Sinclair, but his form and lack of confidence is a problem. Patrick Roberts, Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths are options, but the trio have just returned from injury, while Charly Musonda is still finding his feet at the club. That leaves Edouard.

Although he’d be playing out of position, there’s no doubting Edouard’s work-rate, wherever he plays. In previous meetings between the sides, Graeme Murty has set his side out to frustrate the champions by sitting very deep, which has successfully nullified Celtic.

Edouard’s physical presence and ability to drift between the lines could give the Celts an extra edge which they’ve lacked of late. The youngster has made great strides in recent months; he looks leaner, more tactically aware and he’s scoring now. A start at Ibrox would be a massive reward and opportunity if Rodgers trusts him.