NTCHAM ASKS FOR TIME IN TUG-OF-WAR

OLIVIER NTCHAM, who has just agreed a new four-year deal with Celtic, has talked about being involved in a shock international tug-of-war.

The impressive midfielder, who has been hampered by injury in recent weeks, is a regular in the French Under-21 squad, but is now a target for Cameroon, as CQN reported on Tuesday.

Real Madrid, Ajax, Inter and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf has taken over as coach of the Indomitable Lions and has targeted the Hoops star.

Ntcham, who cost Brendan Rodgers £4.5million when he joined from Manchester City in June 2017, is refusing to rush into a decision and said: “The situation is that I am playing with the French Under-21 team now and that is what I am focusing on.

“Cameroon have been in contact with me, but to make a good decision, you have to take your time.

“They are happy for me to do that. Even if they weren’t, it’s me who is going to decide what happens.

“They haven’t given me a time for when they want me to decide.

“In life, you have to take your time when you make a decision like this.

“Is it a decision from the heart or the head? Both. I am with France and we have a competition next summer so I am focused on that.

“My parents are both from Cameroon, but they haven’t said anything to me about it. It is my decision.

“My friends and family all have an opinion on the situation, but I don’t want to say what it is.”

Away from the international front, Ntcham will be concentrating on the challenges that await at club level.

Like crocked skipper Scott Brown, he has sat in the stand in recent weeks and watched as the champions have swept aside opposition on the domestic and European levels.

Twenty-three goals have been scored in the past five games in home competition while RB Leipzig were overwhelmed 2-1 in the Europa League Group B encounter on a wonderful occasion at Parkhead on Thursday night.

No date has been placed on the French ace’s comeback, but it is expected to be sooner rather than later.

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and the best action images from this afternoon’s High Noon showdown between Livingston and Celtic – only in your champion CQN.