Former Hibs attacker Tam McManus reckons Celtic need to keep hold of Odsonne Edouard if they're to win the Scottish Premiership title this season.

Edouard has been in fine form this campaign so far with nine goals from 17 games at club level in all competitions, but it's his international form that has had more folk talking.

Nine goals in four matches for France under-21s - including a hat-trick last night against Slovakia - has thrust him into the spotlight again.

Watch: Odsonne Edouard bags hat-trick for France under-21s

McManus reckons the Frenchman will have big clubs doing their due diligence on him with the view to a potential offer for the striker, perhaps even in January.

But he is adamant that the Hoops must stay strong and bat away any money that comes their way to tempt them into selling - because Edouard could be the difference between first and second in their rivalry with Rangers this season.

Speaking on PLZ Soccer, McManus said: "Edouard is a player Celtic cannot afford to lose any time soon.

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"He's the most important player at Parkhead just now and if they lost him, you've got Bayo to come in, I wouldn't fancy him.

"Leigh Griffiths is still having issues. It's very important that Celtic keep hold of him if they want to win the league this season.

"There will be big clubs sniffing about. £20million for Dembele? I think you're looking at a similar kind of fee for Odsonne Edouard."