Celtic manager Neil Lennon admits star striker Odsonne Edouard has been distracted by transfer talk.

The French striker was linked with Arsenal, Leicester City and Crystal Palace over the summer.

"Listen, he's a human being and he's still young at 22," Lennon told The Scotsman before Celtic's draw with Hibernian.

"There has been a lot of interest or speculation – whatever you want to call it – about him and there's no question that it affected him and his performances.

"When he comes back we'll sit down, have a good discussion with him and, hopefully, he'll kick on and get back to his best.

"What we have with Odsonne is an outstanding, talented player and it's up to us now to try and get the best out of him again.

"There are huge games coming up, ones in which he can inspire the team. We know what he's capable of and we understand why his recent form hasn't been as good."