Celtic enjoyed a superb European night on Thursday as the Hoops returned to Parkhead with all three points and a spot in the last 32.
Celtic captain Scott Brown has spoken highly of Olivier Ntcham’s winning goal and his overall play as the Hoops claimed a triumphant victory in the Europa League in midweek (Celtic website).
The Bhoys skipper joked that he thought the Frenchman’s touch was too heavy but insisted he never doubted his quality as the dressing room knows what the £4.5million ace has in his locker.
Neil Lennon’s charges travelled to Rome to face Lazio and a tall order for the Bhoys appeared even more of a challenge when Ciro Immobile put the hosts ahead inside eight minutes.
Celtic were under the cosh at times but regained parity before the interval when James Forrest rifled home his 11th goal of the season, setting up a grandstand second half.
Late in the game, Odsonne Edouard played in Ntcham, who sent a cool chip over the keeper and into the net to send the away fans and contingent into a frenzy, and the club into the last 32.
“The winning goal just sums us up really,” Brown told the Celtic website. “We won the ball back and then Oli and Odsonne did their stuff. It was a great pass and a great finish.
“We all know Oli has that in his locker and he produced a quality finish. I actually thought his touch was a bit too heavy but the angle didn’t matter to him. We had the belief and trust in him and it was a special goal.”
Celtic have recorded three consecutive victories in the UEFA Cup / Europa League for the first time since November 2002, when they won six in a row on their way to the UEFA Cup final, according to BBC Sport.
Up next for Lennon and co is the Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell at Parkhead.
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