Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is first Frenchman to win Scotland’s Player of the Year award

Parkhead forward ‘flattered’ by Arenal link but focused on trying to win 10 in a row

Scottish Football Writers’ Player of the Year Odsonne Edouard insists he is focused on helping Celtic win a tenth title in a row. Picture: Steve Welsh

Odsonne Edouard has admitted he is flattered by interest from Arsenal but says his focus is on helping Celtic win a record-breaking tenth consecutive title next season.

The striker has been named Player of the Year by the Scottish Football Writers’ Association, becoming the first Frenchman to win the coveted award in its 56-year history.

Edouard’s 22 league goals helped Celtic make it nine in a row in the curtailed 
2019-20 season and his impressive form has attracted the attention of Arsenal. The 22-year-old has two years left on his Celtic contract and manager Neil Lennon is hopeful he can be persuaded to sign an extension.

Edouard was non-committal on that prospect but is fully aware of the significance next season holds for the Scottish champions.

He said: “At the moment, I am still under contract with Celtic and my priority is to get back playing again. In the future, we will see what happens.

“Of course, winning ten in a row is very important for the club, the players and the fans. Of course I would love to be part of it. No-one knows what will happen in the future but I want to be a part of it.

“It shows you are working hard and doing the right things as a player (when you are linked with other clubs). It is flattering. But I just concentrate on trying to play well for Celtic. That’s what I am focused on at the moment. My first target right now is to play football again after so much time away from the pitch. I actually only set personal targets for myself once the season actually starts.”

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