Coridon hopes to take Celtic chance

Charles-Edouard Coridon is using Eric Cantona as his inspiration to win a contract with Celtic.

The 31-year-old trialist will get the perfect chance to impress Hoops manager Martin O’Neill tonight after the Lens midfielder was given clearance to face Tottenham in a friendly at Parkhead.

Some have questioned the Celtic boss’ insistence on taking players on trial and Coridon’s reasons for accepting, but the Martinique international is convinced it is the right move.

“Some people have asked me why I have agreed to go on trial but if a player like Eric Cantona was prepared to come to Britain to go on trial with Sheffield Wednesday why would any French player refuse?” Coridon said.

“It does not worry me that I have to prove myself to Martin O’Neill and Celtic. Eric took the test and we know what happened with him. I also want to succeed in British football.

“I have had offers to go to other clubs since I arrived in Glasgow but this is where I want to be. There is the opportunity to play in the Champions League and that is important to me.

“I played there for Lens last season and it is the tournament every player in Europe wants to be involved in.

“Of course, the most important thing is to show Martin O’Neill that I am worth a contract and I know I must do it in the game with Tottenham.”

On-loan signing Henri Camara is also looking to start against Spurs and team-mate Ross Wallace is convinced he will also be a big success at Parkhead when he is 100% fit.

“He has settled in,” the youngster said. “Once he gets his fitness he will come in and hopefully get his goals. He is a good player and knows how to play the game.”

The tricky player is also looking to catch O’Neill’s eye and he revealed that he has been getting special advice from coach and former Nottingham Forest winger John Robertson.

Wallace said: “Hopefully I will play tonight to show the manager what I can do. I am confident of getting a game but you have a lot of experienced people like (Chris) Sutton and it is hard to get in.”