Moussa Dembele praises Celtic teammate Odsonne Edouard

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Odsonne Edouard has become a more important part of the Celtic squad in recent times.

Moussa Dembele has praised the impact that Odsonne Edouard has made since featuring more prominently in the Celtic squad, but insisted that the competition for a place in the Hoops side does not faze him, the Scotsman reports.

Edouard has enjoyed a turbulent spell at Parkhead since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan in the summer. He scored on his debut back in September, but generally looked disappointing during his first few months with the Bhoys.

However, a hat-trick against Motherwell at the start of the month appears to have been the catalyst for the 19-year-old to kick his spell in the Scottish Premiership into another gear. While he has not scored in his subsequent two appearances, he has arguably looked impressive and has certainly made himself a genuine contender to rival Dembele and Leigh Griffiths for a place in the team.

But Dembele – who praised his countryman’s recent impact – insists that it is good to have the additional competition in the squad, and that is the way it should be at Celtic.

“Odsonne has done well since he came into the team and stepped up and scored a hat-trick against Motherwell recently,” added Dembele, as reported by the Scotsman.

“That is good for him but there has always been competition at this club. That is not new. I don’t look to my right or my left to others, though, I just focus on myself.”

Having to compete with the likes of Griffiths and Edouard should only help Dembele get better and realise his full potential if he rises to the challenge as he will know that there is pressure on him to finish all the chances that may come his way.

Celtic face Hamilton on Wednesday night and will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.