Olivier Ntcham has switched his international status from France to Cameroon.
The midfielder came through the ranks with the French Federation to earn 18 caps at u-21 level but until he plays in a competitive full international match he is able to switch.
Ntcham was born to parents from Cameroon and was first approached about switching allegiance a year ago. Now he has made his decision and will play for Cameroon later this month against Cape Verde and Rwanda.
The Sun reports the midfielder saying:
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.
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.”
Celtic paid Manchester City £4.5m for Ntcham in July 2017 with the midfielder making an immediate impact on the Invincible side.
Last season he drifted out of favour with two lengthy absences due to hamstring problems.
This season he has made some impressive appearances but the form of Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie is keeping him out of the Neil Lennon’s first XI.
