Olivier Ntcham put in another performance of the highest quality, and netted a brace, as Celtic thumped Partick Thistle 5-0 on Wednesday evening.
The Frenchman has had to bide his time so far this season given the strength of the midfield but he has started the last two domestic matches and performed well in both. In fact, his overall level of performance this campaign has been terrific – so much so that he is surely now impossible to drop.
It will be really interesting to see what Neil Lennon does with the 23-year-old when we visit Hibernian on Saturday. The game in Leith is the kind of match that Ntcham struggled in last season. He seemed at his best when he had time to pick a pass in the midfield, and not when he was being harassed by the opposition.
But the Olivier Ntcham of this season is a totally different player, and one who should be a regular in Lennon’s side.
Who drops out of the Celtic midfield for Ntcham?
Lennon’s dilemma, and it’s a good one to have, is who does he take out to make way for the Frenchman?
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor have been the reliable duo so far this term, and for the past few seasons. Brown is the captain and McGregor is arguably our most important player so it’s hard to see who drops out.
The latter could undoubtedly do with an extended break though. McGregor has played virtually every minute for club and country so far this season and he’s starting to look weary as a result. With Ntcham at his disposal, Lennon could move the Scottish international onto the bench for the next few matches and get him back to peak fitness.
At the age of 34, Scott Brown could also be doing with rest from time to time. Perhaps the dream scenario for Lennon is that he could rotate the midfield trio over the two positions throughout the season.
Some games call for Scott Brown to play, other are an opportunity to rest McGregor. But right now, most matches need an Olivier Ntcham.
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