MX23RW : Tuesday, December 31 07:53:54| >> :600:322051:322051:
Dec 29, 2019 at 12.30pm UK at ​Celtic Park (Glasgow)
Celtic
1-2
RangersRangers
Edouard (41')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Kent (36'), Katic (56')
Morelos (90')

McGregor: 'Edouard return a big boost for Old Firm derby'

McGregor: 'Edouard return a big boost for Old Firm derby'
© Reuters
Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard returned to action from the bench during the win against St Mirren.

Callum McGregor will be glad to see Odsonne Edouard take his place in Celtic's attack for the start of Sunday's Old Firm game at Parkhead.

The French striker was only fit enough to come off the bench in the Hoops' narrow 1-0 Betfred Cup final win over Rangers at Hampden Park earlier in the month.

Edouard showed what he brings to the champions in the 2-1 win over St Mirren in Paisley on Boxing Day.

He was involved in first-half goals from McGregor and James Forrest and had the ball in the net after the break only to be ruled offside, before Cammy MacPherson's late deflected strike from a free-kick gave the home side a consolation.

McGregor said: "He's such a platform for the team, he can hold things in, link up.

"He's obviously a big scorer for us so to have him fit and hopefully starting will be a big boost for us. He's an incredible player and the forefront of our attack.

"We try to join in, he links the play and plays a great pass for Jamesy (Forrest) with great awareness.

"He's much more than a scorer – he's creative, can hold the ball, he can come short and link.

"He's terrific footballer. He's shown that in Europe, these games and cup finals.

"He's always been the go-to man. We are just desperate to keep him fit and helping the team."

After 11 straight wins in the league, Celtic go into the final game of 2019 five points ahead of Rangers albeit with a game in hand over the Light Blues.

Scotland international McGregor said: "We're in a good place with a lot of wins in a row in the league so we've got that run going and we want to protect it.

"Derby games are always special so we won't need any extra motivation. We will try to win and play as well as we can."

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1Liverpool19181047143355
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3Manchester CityMan City20132554233141
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6Tottenham HotspurSpurs208663629730
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves207942925430
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9Crystal Palace207671822-427
10Everton207492330-725
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle207492030-1025
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15Southampton2064102438-1422
16Bournemouth2055102028-820
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham1954102132-1119
18Aston Villa2053122536-1118
19Watford2037101533-1816
20Norwich CityNorwich2034132140-1913

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