CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN believes Celtic ought to be considered worthy champions if the SPFL takes the decision to conclude the league as things stand.

The Parkhead club preside over a 13-point lead from second-placed Rangers with eight games left to play.

UEFA announced on Thursday that governing bodies were now free to call the season in certain circumstances, freeing the SPFL to declare the Premiership campaign over.

Jullien admits his preference would be to play the remaining fixtures if possible but felt that Celtic would deserve the title if no further play was possible.

“We all want for sure to finish the league,” said the defender. “We were on a great run, playing very good football. The league stopped just before the game against Rangers and we felt so good. We couldn’t wait to play that game.

“But if the decision is to finish the league and crown us champions then I think we deserve it. I want to finish the games. But we are 13 points clear and we have shown our strength all through the season.

“Every time we have had a bad moment we have battled and come back stronger. If we have to finish the games then great we are happy to do that. But if it cannot be done then in my mind we deserve to be champions.”

Speculation continues to mount over the future of striker Odsonne Edouard ahead of the transfer markets re-opening. But Jullien is confident his countryman will stay at Celtic.

“Odsonne is a good player and one day he will have a lot of clubs interested in him,” he added.

“But he is in a really good place right now with Celtic. He has done some unbelievable stuff and I really hope that he will still be here.

“I enjoy playing with him and I want him to stay for as long as he can. That would be unbelievable for everyone at Celtic. He is in a really good place.

“It’s so difficult just now with the situation. People speak about transfers but who knows when football will be back?

“After that all the other stuff can happen. Don’t worry, I am sure Odsonne is good and happy where he is. I’m sure he will stay. He is silent, he hides what he is feeling and he is someone who controls his emotions. But he is a really good guy, trust me. He is quite happy here.”