NEIL LENNON has confirmed he spoke to his midfielder Olivier Ntcham on Monday when the player returned to training.

Ntcham had some explaining to do after quotes emerged of the Celtic player saying he wants to leave Celtic and the quality of the SPFL was hampering his progress.

Olivier was given longer leave by the club for his participation in the Euro Under 21s. Ntcham arrived back at Lennoxtown this week and has already straightened the situation out with the Celtic manager, according to Neil Lennon himself.

“He was disappointed with the way it came across, that wasn’t his intention.” the Celtic manager explained to Clyde One.

“We have had a nice chat, a private chat, and it’s not an issue now. He is back in the group and training and getting ready for the new season.”

The Celtic manager is clear that the chat was private and he wouldn’t be divulging anything else that was said between the pair.

This in no way quells the speculation on the Frenchman’s future but it does allow him to come back into contention for the Celtic squad over the next week or two and the gaffer is keen to see this happen.

“It shouldn’t take long, he has only had a two-and-a-half or three-week break,” he added.

“He was playing in the Euro Under-21 Championship. It was his first day on Monday and he looked in reasonable condition.

“Obviously he has a bit of work to do but hopefully we will have him available for next week.”

Celtic play at Home on Wednesday night where barring a complete and utter disaster, they should find themselves in the next round of Champions League qualifiers. Ntcham could play his part then.

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