3 Lessons Learned as Celtic Crush Partick Thistle

Celtic outclassed Partick during Wednesday’s League Cup match. Despite a crushing victory, Celtic can still take away a few lessons.

Celtic was not incredibly worried about taking down Partick Thistle as evidenced by their starting XI. The lineup was not loaded with the top end talent Hoops fans have been accustomed to seeing. Instead, the younger and newer players alike were afforded the opportunity to show their stuff. And show their stuff they did.

The Bhoys were on full display on Wednesday, no one more so than Olivier Ntcham, who proved he belongs in the starting XI. Scott Sinclair returned to action against Partick, and it is a wonder why he has been snubbed this season. Vakoun Issouf Bayo was incredible once he got his turn to shine.

Olivier Ntcham Deserves a Starting XI Spot

The discussion about Ntcham and his talent has percolated throughout the club and fan base long enough now. On Wednesday, Ntcham forced himself into the conversation for a starting spot. The midfielder scored two goals on the evening, and threatened at least two more times. The bhoy was lights out.

After a few struggles so far in the midfield it is hard to discern why Celtic boss Neil Lennon prefers not to go with the hot foot at the moment. Currently, that is Ntcham. Having him on the field more often from the start could be a key to Celtic’s European success.

Scott Sinclair is Still an Asset

For the first time in ages Sinclair got to see the pitch. The winger took the most of his opportunity by adding a goal to the score. Sinclair has proven that when he gets playing time that he can be an effective and productive member of the squad as he did on Wednesday.

Instead, the winger routinely is snubbed out of even the substitutes and rarely gets to play. There is obviously something amiss between Sinclair and Lennon, but Wednesday seemed to be an olive branch on Lennon’s part.

Bayo is an Incredible Footballer

Vakoun Issouf Bayo got the start in place of Odsonne Edouard. The striker did not disappoint, and made the most of the opportunity. Bayo got the scoring started off and accounted for Celtic’s lone goal in the first half before the squad caught fire.

Despite only having one goal on the day, the striker put himself in a position to add more while barely missing opportunities. His role as a playmaker was also on full display and provided encouragement for his future role on the team.