EXIT WARNING

Celtic news: Former Parkhead star John Collins warns about letting ‘special player’ Olivier Ntcham leave club

by

OLIVIER Ntcham has been linked with a move away from Celtic this summer - perhaps as a makeweight in a permanent deal for goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

But the Parkhead side's former star and assistant manager John Collins has warned them that he is a "special talent" who "won't be easily replaced".

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/NINTCHDBPICT000562187380.jpg?strip=all&w=852
Olivier Ntcham is an asset to CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

SunSport revealed in February that Saints had targeted the former France Under-21 star.

We also told you that the South Coast club are understood to be open to talks as they look to get their high-earning back-up goalkeeper off the books.

But Collins feels that the 24-year-old Frenchman is showing his worth after providing only bursts of his best form since his £4.5million move from Manchester City in 2017.

He would be quite an asset to give up - even though Lennon might consider that is worth it if helps him land the abilities of Forster on a permanent basis.

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/NINTCHDBPICT000568583488-2.jpg?strip=all&w=939
Celtic would love to sign Fraser Forster permanentlyCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/05/NINTCHDBPICT000243410370-e1590563371433.jpg?strip=all&w=960
John Collins is an admirer of Olivier NtchamCredit: Getty - Contributor

Another move for Norwegian winger Mohamed Elyounoussi could also be on the cards.

Collins told the Daily Record: “Olivier’s an excellent player and I’d be sad to see him leave Scottish football, that’s for sure.

“It’ll come down to the manager’s decision but he’s a very good footballer, he’s in a high bracket and obviously you’d want to keep him.

"Players with his ability aren’t easily replaced, you need to weigh that up as the boy is maturing into that special talent we all knew him to be.

“People forget that he’s still a very young player and he’s also had injuries which have held him back.

“Hopefully he’s now over those injuries and can now continue developing.

“He’s playing Champions League and Europa League football every season with Celtic and not many clubs provide that kind of platform year on year.

Give now to The Scottish Sun's NHS appeal

BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?

The Scottish Sun and Esports Scotland have decided to join forces to help out by launching our National Home Superleague.

We are running a FIFA 20 tournament involving some of the top names in Scottish football and entertainment to help raise cash for NHS Charities Together.

And we would like YOU to help us - by watching and enjoying the action which starts on Saturday May 16 and runs until Sunday May 31 and donating to a brilliant cause.

We know money is tight with so many jobs on the line, but we know so many of you want to show your appreciation for the wonderful people who work for the NHS.

No matter how little you can spare, please donate here Virgin Money Giving page.

You can also follow all the action across the weekend here Twitch TV

“The argument that he needs to move to a top league to develop his potential isn’t accurate.

“There’s no doubt that whoever gets Olivier Ntcham is getting a top, top player.

“If he does leave Celtic then it’s not good news for them but whoever gets him will discover just how good he is.”