Olivier Ntcham stole the show with a stunning free-kick goal for France under-21s against Bulgaria last night. Celtic’s midfielder came on as a 75th minute substitute, not long after teammate Moussa Dembele was subbed off.
Olivier has been capped by France at every age group since under-16. It is a mark of the expectations we have for him, and Moussa, that they are exposed to the demands of the Allianz Arena, despite Olivier having less than 50 senior games under his belt, and Moussa having less than 100.
At similar stages of their development, expectations of Kenny Dalglish and Henrik Larsson were considerably less, while contemporaries, Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic took years to reach peak form.
What we have seen from Olivier, and to a lesser extent Moussa, is a glimpse of their potential. Playing for Celtic, with its unique mix of expectations to win every domestic game, indifferent domestic opponents, and regular Champions League football, provides a great opportunity to polish potential into the finished article.
Young players will get first team opportunities in less demanding games, while 18-year-olds like Anthony Ralston will be asked to get stuck in against PSG. I doubt any other club can offer a better environment to develop talent, which explains why we can attract Moussa, Olivier and Odsonne Edouard.
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW!
A Celtic State of Mind presents its 23rd instalment of insightful discussion into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.
Paul John Dykes is joined by Bafta-winning documentary director, John MacLaverty, and Scottish comedian, Phil Differ.
John’s Lisbon Lions documentary – Glasgow: 1967 – is an incredible celebration of Celtic’s European Cup win 50 years on.
Phil has been a staple part of Scottish comedy for decades, and has worked on such iconic productions as Scotch & Wry, Naked Video, City Lights, Rab C Nesbitt and Only An Excuse.
The CQN Podcast has gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months, and there are many more guests lined up in the months ahead from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature and politics.
NEW FROM CQN BOOKS! JIM CRAIG – RIGHT BACK TO 67, THE LISBON LION DIARY, ORDER A SIGNED COPY NOW!
ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY NOW AT CQNBOOKSTORE.COM
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Hello lads
been busy of late, so haven’t been on as much … just wanted to say hello, and hope everyone has a great time at the hoot tomorrow… and hope that you are all celebrating a famous irish win tomorrow.
some quiz questions no.1 who made most appearances for celtic. no.2 who made most league appearances for celtic and finally who was the clubs first captain.
Italians are from the Mourhino skool of diving, cheating bassa’s.
It’s their culture.
GOOOOOAAALLL ya beauty!
Jeez this Italian team, it’s like they all act in sync to dive and cheat
BIG PACKY on 10TH NOVEMBER 2017 7:40 PM
Perhaps he had a hole in his shoe.
Sweden 1-0
Lucky deflection beats Buffon.
MIKE IN TORONTO. while your on posted the other night about when i went to niagara on the river .found a bakers who done scotch pies and bridies. lovely grub.
1.0 Sweden, the italians are at it all night trying to break the game up and get a draw to take home.Surely Italian football is better than that just play the game.
philbhoy …. I am hoping that Sweden wins that one …. the Henrik factor …
the oz/honduras one is a tough one for me … lots of reason to like Oz, but I have a soft spot for Honduras … when I was there a few years ago for a diving holiday, people would see the hoops, and shout ‘izzy’ …. loved the place and the people … I normally go for the underdogs, so guess I am hoping that Honduras make it through
ERNIE LYNCH.peter mallan. dont know about the shoes.
The Italians get what they deserve.
Playacting all over the pitch. Sad to see.
Wee Norn Irn barmaid at the Fundonian 71 Brewing Company can’t take her eyes off my Leoes De Lisboa T-shirt every time I go up. She’s probably thinking I don’t remember Big Billy and the Lions being that fat :-)
MIKE IN TORONTO
Know what you mean!
But a tough one to call for me. Loved Izzy and Love big Tom.
Mibbe a draw would suit!
MiT
Honduras are favs with the bookies so Oz would be the underdogs :-)
HH
Big Packy …. was on a trial this week, so not on as much of late …
haven’t been to NotL in a few years … but it is lovely, so I have been meaning to go… Good pies are getting harder and harder to find around here…. so, I now have extra motivation to go there …
you going to the Hoot tomorrow?
TET … surprised by that … I haven’t looked at the FIFA rankings … but, I am still going for Honduras. … hope I dont offend any of the antipodean CQN’ers!
HARRY CHAPIN-story of a life-:-))
MIKE IN TORONTO . unfortunately working tomorrow. will be there in spirit how you keeping.
Kenneth McKellar?
POGMATHONYAHUN
We’re with you in spirit,big fella. Get wired in,we’ll return the favour tomorrow.
Long John Silver?
:-)
PHILBHOY
Even in these post-Weinstein days,a hug is a given!
BMCUWP
I’ll need one as well!
Thanks!
!!BADA BING!!. it was peter mallan.
Big Packy … too bad you and I arent going to be there … those hoots sound like a lot of fun …. definitely on my bucket list for sure!
all things considered, not doing too bad, I guess …. hard watching Derry … she is losing weight by the day, so the vet and I decided against further treatment for her …. which was pretty tough …. but she still seems happy, and still has bursts where she runs around … so, will give her as much time as I can …
and some good might come from it …
my sister (who hasn’t spoken to the family since my dad passed away) …. called me when she heard, . so, that has been really nice! …
every cloud has a silver lining.
Night night cliqueivill:/)))
MIKE IN TORONTO
Feel for you pal!
God bless your wee dog Derry.
BIGPACKY
I thought Billy McNeill would be the answer to both 1 and 2,but obviously not. So Alec McNair for 2 and one of the Kellys for 3. Can’t remember which one!
MIKE IN TORONTO
And may God bless you too!
MIKEINTORONTO
I’m not known as an animal lover,but I know how much pets can mean to people. And you have my genuine sympathy,watching Derry and knowing what is going to happen.
And fair play to your sister too. Really delighted you are back in touch with each other.
HH
PHILBHOY
Manly hugs are still allowed,bud. I’ll bring my rainbow bunnet!!!
BMCUWP
I’ll probably greet!
been a tough day.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS spot on bobby. and it was james kelly for no3 cyber pint yo you.h.h.
FAIRHILLBHOY
Nothing stopping you joining us tomorrow,mate. Put fades to the names and enjoy yourself.
Mail me on
bmcuwp@gmail.com
and I’ll forward you the info.
BIGPACKY
I was discussing with my sisters and my niece the other day how easy it is to remember trivia from years back,but impossible to remember important things currently!
A mine of useless information,and even at that,I needed help wi two of the three answers.
Philbhoy … cheers, pal.
Listened to Professor Phil Scraton on Desert Island Discs today. An incredible person with an amazing story. The Hillsborough stuff was very moving. His song choice was also fantastic. If you don’t do anything else this weekend catch it on BBC i player. Hh