Christopher Jullien would relish going head-to-head with Rangers again

Christopher Jullien says Celtic will be worthy champions if the Premiership season is called now. But, equally, would relish returning to action with a head-to-head against Rangers.

The Old Firm derby at Ibrox on March 13 was on the first Premiership card to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and, as such, would be a curtain raiser for any resumption of the current campaign.

It is a thought that makes the Hoops’ French defender both nostalgic for more tranquil times and bullish for what may lie ahead.

“We all want for sure to finish the league,” said the 27-year-old.

“We were on a great run, playing very good football. The league stopped just before the game against Rangers and we felt so good.

“We couldn’t wait to play that game.

“But if the decision is to finish the league and crown us champions then I think we deserve it.

“I want to finish the games. However, we are 13 points clear and we have shown our strength all through the season.

“Every time we have had a bad moment we have battled and come back stronger.

“If we have to finish the games then great, we are happy to do that. But if it cannot be done then, in my mind, we deserve to be champions.

“But although football is so important in our lives it is not the most-important thing.

“Whenever I call my family or friends we speak about whether everyone is safe and well. That’s what matters.”

If there is an early return, it is likely to be behind closed doors and Jullien, who scored Celtic’s controversial winner in the Betfred League Cup Final, admits to reservations on that score.

“The cup final goal was my favourite. At the end of the day that was such a big achievement,” said the defender.

“It was my first trophy with the club and to do it that day . . . it was not a good game from us that day.

“We just wanted it more. We were really focused. When you come through such a difficult game and you win, it is just an unbelievable feeling.

“My family was there in the stand and everyone was so happy.

“So I could say it’s the best goal of my life.

“It would not have been the same behind closed doors. In that moment, it would be very strange.

“The fans are so important in our game. Every situation would not be the same without them.”

He speaks from experience, having played in a closed-doors game two years ago to keep Toulouse in the French top flight.

“We played Ajaccio, who were trying to come up from the Second Division, and the away leg was moved from Corsica to Montpellier because their supporters had done some really dirty stuff before the previous game,” Jullien recalled.

“It was different because you hear everything on the field. Every word that is spoken on the field you can hear and it is strange.

“It takes some getting used to. But we won the game anyway.”

Prior to the shutdown, a big fear for Celtic fans was that Odsonne Edouard would be sold in the summer off the back of a prolific 2019-20 campaign.

Yet, despite recent reports linking the 22-year-old with both Arsenal and Crystal Palace, his countryman insists it should not be a problem.

“Don’t worry, I am sure Odsonne is good and happy where he is,” said. Jullien.

“I’m sure he will stay. He is silent, he hides what he is feeling and he is someone who controls his emotions.

“But he is a really good guy, trust me. He is quite happy here.

“He is a good player and one day he will have a lot of clubs interested in him, but he is in a really good place right now with Celtic.

“I enjoy playing with him and I want him to stay for as long as he can. That would be unbelievable for everyone at Celtic.

“He is in a really good place.”