Celtic manager Neil Lennon is adamant that match fitness was the only reason why Odsonne Edouard was left out of the starting eleven for the 3-2 win against Livingston.

The likes of Arsenal, Brighton and Leicester have been linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks, and his omission from the lineup yesterday led some to speculate about whether the Frenchman’s head had been turned.

However, Lennon said that Edouard was simply tired after playing a number of games in a short space of time for both club and country. He also made it clear that no interested club had been in contact about the player:

“We do not want to sell. We have had no bids or confirmed interest in him. I am hoping that by the end of the window he will still be a Celtic player. He’s a great kid, his attitude has been absolutely fine. He is not causing any problems behind the scenes as far as I’m aware.”

“He was honest enough to say he wasn’t fit enough to start and I have to take his word on that. Odsonne is not for sale. A lot of this is rumbling on behind the scene and it’s just speculation at the minute. The club will do what the club does best for the club and we’ll act accordingly if and when any scenario comes up like we always do.”

Edouard has not exactly started the season sluggishly, having scored five goals in six appearances, but three of those came on the opening day versus Hamilton and he has not been as sharp in recent weeks. For now, there is no reason to doubt Lennon’s claim that the issue is simply fatigue.