Celtic goal hero backs striker with 'magic in his boots' who is 'maybe trying too hard' during barren scoring spell

Odsonne Edouard has scored, but not from open play in the domestic competitions (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

That startling statistic has been disguised by the Frenchman’s seven goals in Europe and from the penalty spot since the big kick-off, but former Celtic ace John Hartson doesn’t think it’s too much of a concern for Celtic or Neil Lennon.

The striker went close during the first half stalemate with Hamitlon at the FOY Stadium but shot over from close range and was denied by Kyle Gourlay, to add 45 minutes to his barren spell from open play.

“We’ve been through it as strikers and scoring comes naturally,” said Hartson on Sky Sports’ half-time coverage. "Maybe he's trying a bit too hard.”

“Take nothing away from his talent, he has magic in those boots and he can really twist and turn and he has shown glimpses of it this season.

"But it's an interesting stat about no goal in open play though he is linking up very well.

"I wouldn't be too worried about it and if Celtic create half as many opportunities in the second half as they did in the first half I can see them breaking the deadlock.”

Edouard did break the deadlock as Hartson suggested, shortly after the break – but again it was from the penalty spot.

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