03.12.2017 01:43 h

Rodgers hails Celtic's Edouard after hat-trick heroics

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes French teenager Odsonne Edouard is one of the best young prospects in world football after his treble helped the Hoops to a 5-1 thrashing of Motherwell.

The 19-year-old, who joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, made the most of just his third start for the Glasgow giants with a first half double before adding a late third.

Substitute James Forrest got the other two in the third meeting between the sides in six days following Celtic's League Cup final win and a 1-1 draw at Fir Park in midweek.

And Rodgers hailed Hoops hat-trick hero Edouard for his complete performance in the rout that sends Celtic seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of Sunday's clash at Pittodrie between second-placed Aberdeen and Rangers.

"He's one of the top young players in world football for his age," Rodgers enthused.

"He's had to bide his time and settle in to the country and our way of working, but you can see the quality that he has.

"I just felt we needed more mobility at the top of the field and he's been very good in training. So we decided to go with Odsonne, and it was as good a performance as you'll see. For a young player of that age he has everything in his game.

"It was a real complete performance by a big, big talent."

After scoring on his debut against Hamilton at the beginning of September, Edouard has found his opportunities limited with the form of fellow French striker Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths keeping him out of Celtic's starting XI.

"He's unfortunate not to have had more game time but he's really settled in now," Rodgers added.

"He took his chance today and was absolutely outstanding.

"Taking him in has kept the other two - in the main - fit. Last year one of them was fit and the other one wasn't, so bringing him was always going to put the focus on the other two.

"But he has the ability to start in every game. There's no question about that as that's why we brought him here."

Edouard, making his first start since the end of September, was one of six changes for the hosts as Rodgers fielded a side packed with fringe players as he rested players for Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash with Anderlecht.

"I've had to be patient but I was delighted to get a chance to start the game which was all thanks to the trust of the manager," the France under-19 international said.

"I couldn't be happier to have made such an impact."

And the French teenager, whom Celtic have an option to buy at the end of his loan deal, says he's not been frustrated at a lack of playing time since arriving in Glasgow.

"I'm happy to keep working hard every day and the results will come after," Edouard said.

"Moussa and Griffiths are both excellent players and I get on very well with them, but I'm not afraid of competition. It's good to have and that's football.

"You always have ready to compete for your place.

"I know I'm young and I need to work hard but I think I have improved since I came to the club.

"I feel great at Celtic and I hope to build on that feeling and stay here as long as I can."