Olivier Awards

Olivier Ntcham won his first senior medal in a supporting role but the stage is set for the French youngster to play a more leading part in the future

- Tony Connelly

OLIVIER Ntcham was in the squad for Celtic’s League Cup final win over Motherwell, so he is on a high after winning his first medal as a professional and says the pressure to win more at Celtic is bringing out the best in him.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Genoa in Northern Italy but swapped the Mediterranean warmth for the west coast of Scotland’s less forgiving climate when he made the switch from Manchester City.

It’s now five months on and Ntcham is loving life as a Celt, even if he has to put on a few extra layers this winter.

Not only that, he is now seeing the rewards of his decision coming to fruition after clinching the first trophy of his senior career in the League Cup, even if it was from the bench.

“I’m enjoying my football at Celtic a lot,” said the Frenchman in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “Words can’t express how I feel about winning the trophy. I felt very happy and great pride in my team-mates, the coaches and in myself.”

Successfully defending the first piece of silverware, and doing so at an early point in the season, will help continue the momentum of the ongoing domestic unbeaten run.