Neil Lennon has changed his tune on Olivier Ntcham

Add as preferred source on Google

Neil Lennon has piled the praise on Olivier Ntcham after the Frenchman put in a terrific display at the weekend.

Ntcham was one of the standout’s in the Hoops 5-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park. He didn’t net in Lanarkshire but was instead involved in the build-up to a couple of the second-half goals.

The 23-year-old looked set to leave Celtic earlier this summer after some well documented comments in French press. But now his future looks much brighter if Lennon’s quotes are anything to go by.

“I thought he got better as the (Motherwell) game went on,” the Northern Irishman told the official website. “He seems in a good place and seems happy and he’s a real asset for us when he’s on top form. The key for Olivier now is maintaining that consistency.

“He lost a little bit with injury last year. It’s important that he reinvents himself and finds those levels of performance which he’s shown so far and we know that he’s capable of.

“He’s very talented and has so much to his game.”

Lennon looks to have played a blinder with Ntcham

Ntcham has perhaps surprised some with the level of his performance in recent weeks. However, most Hoops fans will be waiting to see if he can keep that level up over a longer period of time.

The French under-21 international’s ability has never been in question. When he’s keeping things simple he’s a joy to watch. The difficulty has been his attitude and application in some clashes against so-called lesser sides.

Lennon seems to have him hungry to succeed now though, and all talk of a move away has gone quiet. Ntcham has the bit between his teeth and that can only be a good thing for the Celtic midfield.

If he can keep this form up he will be like yet another new signing.