Celtic’s 3-0 win over Motherwell saw Brendan Rodgers tweak his midfield slightly and it worked to great effect.
The manager named the same five in midfield that featured in the dismal 2-0 defeat to Hibs on Sunday.
However, the shape was completely different. Olivier Ntcham was pushed further forward, with Callum McGregor and Scott Brown dropping deep.
Ntcham’s new role saw him get further up the pitch to support Odsonne Edouard. On numerous occasions both Frenchmen linked up well.
Celtic played some terrific football in the first half, bursting out to a 3-0 lead. One worrying note was that Edouard was taken off injured just before half time.
Ntcham was one of the top performers for Celtic. Always looking to play the ball forward, he looked like he was playing with freedom.
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He linked up play all over the park, and was unlucky not to score, coming close twice.
There’s few who would argue that Ntcham (and even Scott Brown) would be in Celtic’s first choice midfield at the moment.
However, with Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic still missing out, Ntcham can stake his place in his new role.
The Frenchman played like a man who knew he needed to produce a big performance. He kept things ticking along for Celtic but was always prepared to go beyond the striker.
It was encouraging to see him in this new role, even if it is only a fleeting one. With Rogic and Christie’s return imminent, Rodgers may be inclined to stick with what has worked for Celtic in the past.
However, it will please the boss to discover he has another option, especially if Edouard’s injury is serious.
In that case, Christie may find himself playing up front, which could open up a spot for Ntcham behind him.
Scrooge McCeltic
With Christmas around the corner, Celtic can be in no mood to be gifting points to any of their next three opponents.
Dundee visit Celtic Park on Saturday on the back of two heavy defeats. Celtic must ensure they leave on the back of another.
With two away trips to Aberdeen and Rangers after Christmas, Celtic will need to produce their best performances to win both games.
And they may possibly have a new secret weapon in their arsenal to help them along the way.