Broony return is boost for Euro bid
From Back Page centre-back Jozo Simunovic is available to boost the backline.
Ntcham, though, reckons Brown’s involvement in the Allianz Arena is the one which massively increases Celtic’s chances of pulling off an almighty Euro shock.
The French kid says his team just don’t feel the same without the skipper whose never-say-die attitude brings out the best in them.
Ntcham said: “Scott gives us a real team spirit. He is always fighting for the team and he refuses to ever give up.
“Without him in the team, the same feeling on the pitch is not there. He is always on the ball and trying to get the team going.
“Even if he doesn’t have it, he will always try and win it back for us. It’s really good to have him.
“It is very important to have our captain fit again and I hope he is going to play in this game.
“I am very happy that he is back as he helps me a lot when we are on the pitch together.
“There have been times when things have not been so good, maybe when I have not felt so comfortable, and he speaks to me and encourages me to keep going.”
Ntcham admits Brown’s presence was instrumental in their 3-0 win over Anderlecht in Brussels before hobbling off.
The 21-year-old credits the Hoops skipper with helping him handle the Euro heat – and he’ll be looking to him again as he leads them into battle against the German giants.
Ntcham said: “At the start of the match against Anderlecht, I even surprised myself. I felt like I was missing everything and not getting things right.
“Some days can be like that. Other days, it seems that everything you do is good.
“I then had a pass that helped to set up the first goal, so that gave me a bit of confidence and I could go on from there.
“Scott helped me a lot to get through that difficult start to the game in Brussels. He was vocal and kept me going in the right direction.
“Does he say it nicely? Well, you know what it’s like on the pitch! No, I’m just joking. Dedryck Boyata was the same. He is another who is always speaking to me.”