Giroud thrilled with winner

Montpellier forward Olivier Giroud labelled his goal in his side’s 1-0 win over Saint-Etienne as one of the ‘most important’ of his career.

The France international netted the winner in the 89th minute on Saturday to secure all three points for Rene Girard’s side and take them top of Ligue 1.

“I don’t know if it’s the best goal I’ve ever scored, but it was one of the most important,” Giroud told France Football.

“It’s been four or five games since I last scored, but the key is not to doubt yourself and concentrate on working as hard as possible.

“I hope to achieve my objective of being the league’s top scorer come the end of the season.”

Montpellier sit at the summit of Ligue 1, level on points with Paris Saint-Germain but ahead on goal difference with only nine games remaining.

Giroud has played a key role in helping them to top spot, netting 18 league goals to attract the interest of English Premier League sides Arsenal and Aston Villa.