Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has sent a blunt transfer message to his old club – they can’t consider selling Olivier Ntcham under any circumstances.
Sutton made the comment whilst appearing on BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra (Friday, 18:36).
“I think if you’re looking at the team at this moment in time you’re thinking that ‘they can’t sell Ntcham’ because Ntcham can play in a number of positions, he can play in the number 10 role” the former Hoops attacker said.
On the other hand, Sutton thinks that Tom Rogic’s time at Celtic may be up, the Scottish Sun reported this week that the Hoops were in talks with a club in Qatar.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he did leave” Sutton said.
Regarding Ntcham, it would not be a surprise if a majority of Celtic fans agreed with Sutton’s comments. Ntcham can indeed play in a number of midfield positions, and play well in them.
However, the player’s future could depend on how much football he plays between now and the transfer window closing in October.
It is fair to say that unlike the likes of Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and James Forrest, Ntcham is not a regular first-team starter.
Yet to start for the Hoops this season
Indeed, in Celtic’s three games this season he has yet to start. He has come off the bench in each of the games so far.
That might not be satisfactory to the player. He will naturally will want to play as much football as possible, and at the moment that isn’t happening at Celtic.
However, Neil Lennon would defend that decision by pointing out the success Celtic have had with Brown, McGregor and Ryan Christie in the middle of the park.
Still has a role to play at the club
It is clear to see that Ntcham has a part to play for the Hoops. He wouldn’t be involved in the first-team every week if he didn’t.
That might not be enough to keep him satisfied though. It will be intriguing to see if he gets the nod to start against Dundee United later on Saturday. Chris Sutton would certainly be pleased if he did.
In other news, Neil Lennon has disclosed why he quit social media.
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