Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller has slammed Odsonne Edouard after the Celtic striker struggled to have an impact in the 1-0 win against Rosenborg on Thursday night.
Edouard, 21, become the Hoops’ record signing in the summer when he joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain, but was unable to find the net in the Europa League clash at Parkhead this week, with Leigh Griffiths coming off the replace him to score a last-gasp winner.
The French striker has four goals in his first 10 appearances across all competitions as a permanent Celtic player, but Miller does not believe that he is doing enough to get involved in games, and has suggested that Brendan Rodgers has a better striker in Griffiths.
“I can understand why Rodgers is playing him [Edouard], he’s paid a lot of money for him,” said Miller live on BT Sport 3 on Thursday night after full-time.
“The potential is there, he’s a fantastic talent, but I’ve watched the last few games now and when teams set up that deep block against him, there’s not a lot of involvement in the game.
“He had a few chances in the first half but if Leigh Griffiths would have played he would have taken those chances.
“In terms of his link-up and his other qualities to bring to the team, I don’t think we’re seeing as much of them in the game.”
OPINION
Edouard was simply not at the races against Rosenborg and it was a shock that he lasted that long before Rodgers eventually substituted him off in place for match-winner Griffiths. Celtic spent a lot of money on signing the 20-year-old, so you can understand why Rodgers is starting him over Griffiths on most occasions, however it does not matter how much was spent on a player, if there are better options, you play them instead. Former Hibs star Griffiths is by far and away the Hoops’ best centre-forward. He always pops up in the important matches and it is a surprise to see him on the bench so much. Can Rodgers try to work out a way to play both him and Edouard together? It would not be too difficult to axe a midfield right now judging by the performance on Thursday. Olivier Ntcham and Tom Rogic were both in poor form while Callum McGregor and James Forrest were off the pace.