Ex-Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan fears for Odsonne Edouard's confidence levels after another game without a goal for France under-21s.
Celtic's top striker has bagged just six goals this season for his club in 14 appearances and is without a goal since October 1 when he netted against Sarajevo in Europa League qualifying.
The Frenchman played the majority of his country's Euro 2021 qualifier against Lichtenstein as they battered the minnows 5-0, but Edouard was unable to get himself on the scoresheet. Former Leeds United frontman Whelan reckons Edouard is suffering his first crisis of confidence since joining the Hoops, having been their top player they've always been able to count on.
And he says the attacker must remedy his drought fast and ensure it does not go on much longer. "It is worrying because your job as a striker is to score goals," Whelan said. We know what strikers are like. They thrive on goals and confidence and at the minute it seems like he is lacking that a bit. He is going through a spell where he is fighting himself."
Whelan, talking to Football Insider, wants to see Edouard back to his best in the Scottish Premiership. And he believes Celts will be quietly worried about their player's form. "Any goal will do, trust me. Off his knee, shin, deflection – he needs a goal to reignite his brain and his form again," he added. "That is what strikers are all about.
"It is worrying for Celtic and for himself because he will be desperate to get on the scoresheet at any level, whether that is international, club, under-23s – any goal will do. He needs to get back into the habit of scoring goals because that is what strikers thrive on.”
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