Ntcham looks ahead to Trondheim trip as AEK Athens await

Olivier Ntcham has expressed his delight at yesterday’s performance after Celtic responded from a goal down to win 3-1 on the night; despite being disappointed that he didn’t manage to register twice on the scoreboard like his fellow countryman Edouard, the 22-year-old was delighted for the team.

“I’m very happy for the team. I think it was a good performance and I’m looking forward to the next game. It was special goal and I’m happy for me and the team as well. For the second shot I was unlucky, and it was good save.

“We managed the game well. We started well and then we conceded the goal but it was a good reaction from the team.”

Ntcham and his compatriot, Edouard, made the difference with some impressive finishing and the classy midfielder expressed how good it is to be French at the moment, on the back of their triumph in Russia.

“We were really happy for the World Cup and to be French at this moment is nice. Odsonne played a really good game. He scored two goals, showed some skills and passes, and he worked for the team as well which was good.

“We push each other so it’s nice for the team. He likes to joke and laugh. He doesn’t speak good English but he’s getting a lot better and when he tries, he makes everyone laugh.”

Should Celtic complete the job in Trondheim next week then they face a daunting tie versus the Greek champions, AEK Athens – with the hope leg to be played August 7th. Ntcham acknowledged that their were missing numbers in the Celtic ranks and has said that the team will be better going forward when the likes of Dembele, Lustig, Simunovic, Griffiths and Boyata return to the fray.

“We were missing a lot of very good players, so for the second game it will be good to have some of them back,”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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