The Celtic duo who should be highly motivated in Rennes

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If there are two players who should be extremely highly motivated heading into Thursday’s clash in Rennes – it’s Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham.

The duo are returning back to their native France for the second time as Celtic players. Their first? Not worth going into as PSG mauled the Hoops 7-1 back in 2017.

But both players are returning to France after transfer interest in the pair last summer from their homeland. Ntcham was linked with a move to Marseille that brought him to comment on the rumours inexplicably (L’Equipe). His head now seems in a better place, of course, but he’ll likely still have one eye on his next move.

A solid performance from him in Rennes – a team who beat PSG 2-1 at the same ground several weeks ago – would do him the world of good. It would also likely increase transfer interest in him for January or next summer.

As for Edouard, his stock has soared since his four goals for France’s under-21 side last week. He was praised by the French media for his displays, and it’s clear he’s also highly-rated (L’Equipe). There were reports that he failed to seal a switch to Monaco in the summer too, so clearly there is clearly some interest in French Eddy (L’Equipe, print edition 05/09, page 10)

A big performance in France could lead to transfer interest

If Edouard follows up his France under-21 haul by putting Rennes to the sword, it does wonders for him. And it won’t do him any harm when it comes to a big move further down the line.

It wouldn’t be surprising if there were a few scouts at the Roazhon Park on Thursday night. There was certainly enough summer interest for there to be some representation this week.

Of course, this is all just speculation, but it’s hardly outside the realms of possibility. Should the pair perform to the standard we know they’re capable of, eyes will surely be turned.

As for Ntcham, it’s not a definite that he’ll start the game in any case. Both Callum McGregor and Scott Brown have been keeping him out of the team in recent weeks. But McGregor looks like he needs a rest, and the game seems made up for Ntcham to prove a point.

Sure, nobody wants to see their best players being eyed up by other clubs. However, that’s the name of the game at Celtic. Young talents come to us, perform in Europe, and earn their big move. Edouard and Ntcham are no different.

A positive result and performance from both on Thursday night could do wonders for all parties.