How do you solve a problem like Celtic’s?

For the first time in the last ten years, they are in real strife. The Hoops have become accustomed to dominating Scottish football but this season they are not having it all their own way.

11 points off the pace in the league and out of Europe, it has been a bitterly frustrating campaign for Neil Lennon and his team.

Equally, it has fuelled a burning worry in the minds of Celtic supporters. They marched to Parkhead after the defeat against Ross County to protest against what was currently happening in Glasgow.

Another bad result against AC Milan, therefore, could mean curtains for Lennon.

Of course, the clash has nothing riding on it given Celtic can’t qualify but if the manager does want to save his job then a victory will win back a fraction of confidence.

Though, he has to start someone he’s previously described as “fantastic” if the Bhoys are to have any chance of snatching all three points - Olivier Ntcham.

The Frenchman has been linked with an exit in recent months but has been his usual battering ram self for Celtic, so much so that he poses a frightening threat to Milan’s defence.

He hasn’t scored in the Europa League this term but his dynamism has been far more effective in that competition.

Ntcham has predominantly been playing in a number 10 position and has looked incredibly lively, performing 2.3 successful dribbles per match. Proving a handful for defenders, he’s also been fouled 1.3 times a game. It’s incredible to think that he didn’t start in Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague in Glasgow a matter of weeks ago.

When the Hoops last played Milan in October – a 3-1 loss – Ntcham was the star for the Bhoys, registering two key passes and completing three dribbles. On top of that, the 24-year-old won six ground duels.

The Italian giants were evidently troubled by the Celtic midfielder so he simply has to start when they meet again this week.

Similarly, if Lennon wants to bide more time, he needs to play his energetic Frenchman.

In other news, check out how Celtic can FINALLY solve their Scott Brown problem...