NEIL LENNON last night praised Olivier Ntcham and confirmed that he’s going nowhere, while also revealing his sympathy for Craig Gordon’s wish to play games in the second half of the season. The Celtic manager though is reluctant to let Gordon go.
“It’s nonsense. Olivier is not going anywhere,” Neil Lennon confirmed after his side dismantled St Johnstone in a magical first half then dropped down the gears after the break to let big Tommy thank his lucky stars that his side weren’t given another thrashing from the rampant Scottish Champions.
The delighted Celtic manager was responding to the speculation that emerged yesterday afternoon – with ‘Ntcham; trending on Twitter across the UK – that the Olivier Ntcham was in London having advanced stage talks with David Moyes’ West Ham over a move the the Premier League side.
We had a suspicion on The Celtic Star that this wasn’t true as Ntcham as sat in the Dunblane Hydro with the rest of the ‘Provisional Squad’ checking his phone and scratching his head at this nonsense.
Incidentally the click-baiters are shameless, they get two bites at these stories, first they report the nonsense (and get the hits) then they report that it’s eh nonsense (and get more clicks).
“The last thing I want is good players going out the door. If anything, I want to get players in, but it’s a tough thing to do,” the Celtic manager told Celtic TV after the game.
“I had a joke with Olivier after the game asking him if he was doing that for the cameras, putting himself out there.
“He’s played so well for me and I thought he was terrific. Not just his goal but his all-round game. As far as I’m concerned he’s not going anywhere.”
Ntcham certainly was impressive, especially in that first half with Lenny going with the 3-5-2 formation we predicted prior the game. If you are also a Celtic Noise reader you’d have also picked up on our 3-0 prediction in the Match thread. You really do need to sign up for the Noise, it’s quick and easy and it’s me who approves the new members.
Lenny was also asked about the other possible departure from his squad. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is looking for a move to get game time ahead of the Euros (presumably thinking Scotland are going to qualify).
“Craig wants to play obviously with the Euros in mind, but he’s such an important part of the squad here that we don’t want to let him go,” the Celtic manager said, although that one could go either way before the window slams shut tomorrow.
The 3-5-2 was working a threat but when Jozo Simunovic – who Lennon praised for his efforts in playing so much having just returned from injury – had to go off at the internal, there was no-one there to fill in and keep the shape the same. The result was a relatively disjoined and less impressive second half performance from the Hoops.
The 3-5-2 formation looks sensational. The obvious last minute addition to the squad is Filip Benkovic, imagine having him on the bench last night and bringing him on instead of Moritz Bauer? I don’t think had that happened that my 3-0 prediction would have come good, put it that way.
Here’s the delighted Celtic manager’s post-match interview with Celtic TV from McDiarmid Park.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
David Potter’s view from McDiarmid Park…‘The first half hour was just exactly what Celtic should be all about,’ David Potter see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic’s Wonderful Performance on Countryfile…see HERE. Man of the Match – Olivier Ntcham
Niall J’s view – 3 Celtic Goals, 3 Celtic Stands and 3 Vital Points…see HERE. Man of the Match – Olivier Ntcham
The Editor’s Report (from the supporters bus), Slick Celtic’s 3-5-2 blows Saints Away…see HERE. Man of the Match – Greg Taylor
Video: Explicit Lennon Fumes at Johnston After Injury…https://thecelticstar.com/video-explicit-lennon-fumes-at-johnston-after-injury/
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