John Hartson believes that Thursday night is the time for Odsonne Edouard to really step into a Celtic jersey.
The young French striker is the club’s record signing, performing impressively on the domestic scene.
With Moussa Dembele sold and Leigh Griffiths injured Edouard has carried the responsibility of being the club’s last striking option impressively.
A big European performance is missing from Edouard’s CV with the visit of RB Leipzig the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
Anything less than a win for Brendan Rodgers’ side will virtually end their interest in the Europa League with Hartson looking on the former PSG striker to make a big impact.
“You paid £9million for him, these are the games you know you are looking for your record signing and top scorer to come up trumps,” the former Celtic striker told The Sun.
“Edouard is going to need a bit of help of course, and James Forrest has done really well in Europe recently. I think Leipzig can be beaten.
“This Celtic team is in good form and is capable of winning the game. Leipzig are not Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG or Manchester City.
“Over there, Celtic created a few chances and the game was almost in the balance up until Leipzig scored that first goal. Then we had to chase it and lost a second.
“I think it’s one that Celtic can win, but it has to be a perfect performance.
“At this level you can’t give goals away. You might get away with it in the Premiership.
“If you go a goal down to one of the lesser sides, you always feel that with the quality you have somebody will do something and you will get back in the game.
“But at that European level, they defend, they go 1-0 up, and then they are hard to break down. Celtic must believe they can do it.”
Youssouf Mulumba is the only player from Celtic’s lengthy injured list that is in contention to be involved against RB Leipzig.