Neil Lennon may be tempted to re-introduce Olivier Ntcham to the first team for Sunday’s derby at Ibrox. The enigmatic Frenchman has a good derby record since joining in 2017. He’s faced Rangers seven times (six as a starter) winning five, drawing one and losing one.
He’s also netted two goals in his time, including the winner in September’s 1-0 win. So he should be a shoe-in to net his first start in three games? Think again.
The talented 23 year-old has arguably been Celtic’s biggest disappointment this season. After a flash first season big things were expected of him this time round. He kicked-off things well, playing a starring role in some of our early Champions League qualifiers.
Injuries have meant that Ntcham has played just four times this year. His absence hasn’t really been felt either with the likes of Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie stealing the show.
We can’t afford passengers
Gone are the days when Celtic can simply turn up at Ibrox and go away with the spoils. The Gers are rejuvenated under Steven Gerrard and now know they have it in them to beat us. December’s defeat was a bruising one for both Celtic and Olivier Ntcham.
The midfielder was second best to an early challenge with Rangers’ Andy Halliday and didn’t properly recover from that point on. He was weak in the tackle, lazy in possession and offered little going forward. The Frenchman was probably only saved by the fact nine of ten of his teammates had equally bad showings.
More so than ever, Glasgow derbies are different propositions at away venues. Ibrox will be hostile on Sunday and Celtic need men who will stand up and be counted. For now, Olivier Ntcham isn’t someone we can hang our hat on.
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