ODSONNE EDOUARD started the Scottish Premiership in sparkling fashion by netting a hat-trick against Hamilton on Sunday. 

It was very much a case of beginning the campaign as he finished the last, after the Frenchman netted 22 goals in 27 appearances last term to land the top goal scorer gong. 

Such form has resulted in the 22-year-old being linked with a number of top European clubs, including English sides Arsenal, Leeds, Everton and Leicester City. 

Former Celtic manager John Barnes is a big fan of Edouard and he believes that his time at Parkhead is up with increased interest coming from down south. 

Asked if there is a danger that players in Scotland could be snatched by Premier League clubs, Barnes said: “Ever since Kenny Dalglish came in the 1970s, this has very much been the situation. It’s unfortunate for the Scottish clubs, but it’s very much the nature of the game.  

“However, just because the Scottish season is under way already, I don’t believe there’ll be more transfers than usual; it’s just a feature of Scottish football and it’s unfortunate for the clubs but the English Premier League is favoured, that’s a fact.  

“Odsonne Edouard is someone that I think we may see in the English Premier League this coming season; simply because he’s a great player.  

“It obviously helps that he scored a hat-trick in the first game of the season, but he’s shown a great consistency over the last couple of years and he also got back from lockdown stronger than ever.  

“He’s a grafter and hardworking and the bigger Premier League clubs will have eyed him up. 

“You look at Morelos, who may be moving on from Rangers, Van Dijk came from Scotland, great players playing in Scotland tend to leave.” 

John Barnes was speaking to Bonuscodebets.co.uk