CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on the 'outstanding' Moussa Dembele after he played a starring role for France Under-21s during the international break.
The 20-year-old scored twice against England Under-21s on Monday to make it four goals in four appearances for his country and continue the scintilating form he has shown at club level this season.
Dembele has struck 16 times for the Hoops since his summer arrival from Fulham and boss Rodgers has been encouraged by his development for club and country.
He also revealed that the Frenchman wants to be given free-kick duties for the Bhoys after showing his ability with a superb set-piece effort while on international duty.
Read more: Brendan Rodgers brushes off Steven Gerrard to Celtic speculation
“I watched the game and he was outstanding,” Rodgers said to celticfc.net.
“You can see the boy’s quality and when you think he has just turned 20 as well. His first goal was great movement and a great finish, which he shows every day in training and we have seen it here.
“And after his second goal, I’m sure he will be fighting to get on the free-kicks here, and he has already sent me that message after the game!
“Again, it was a very good free-kick and arguably he could have had three or four. He had great movement in the box where he chested it down, spun and could have finished it, and he just did overdid it with his little dink over the keeper.
“He’s a big talent and who is justifying his move in coming here. He’s a young player of 20 on a good and long contract here and we are hoping he can develop well over the next couple of years.
“I’m always happy for the players to go away on international duty and play, and I always say to them to focus on doing the best for their country. It also sometimes keeps them ticking over in terms of games as well.
“Moussa has had some minutes and he comes back having scored two goals, he played really well and he's full of confidence. It’s important for them to go away, represent their national teams and do well but then come back and focus on doing really well for Celtic.”
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