Celtic boss Neil Lennon is pleased with how Olivier Ntcham is currently performing for the Hoops. The Frenchman scored two goals in the recent 5-0 Betfred Cup win over Partick Thistle.
However, he wants to see the player find the back of the net on a regular basis from now on.
“I like him in an advanced attacking position” Lennon said in a video on Celtic’s YouTube channel.
“He can do that more”
“His first goal, he can do that more. We’ve been trying to encourage the midfield players…to shoot more, from outside the box, if the opportunity arises. He’s taken that on board and got his reward with two great goals.”
Ntcham’s first goal against Partick in particular was something special. He hammered the ball into the top corner of the net from around 30 years out.
So good was Ntcham’s performance against Partick that he seems certain to keep his place in the team for Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Hibs.
Advanced role could pay off
It will be interesting to see where he will play for the Hoops should he get the nod to start the game. Lennon’s idea of starting the player in a more advanced position is certainly an intriguing one.
If Ntcham maintains the level of performance he showed against Hibs, that idea could be a master-stroke. Ntcham might not have started the season as an automatic starter for the Hoops. However, so good have his recent performances been that he has to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Lennon. It will be a good day for the Hoops should that trend continue against Hibs.
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