Brendan Rodgers: Olivier Ntcham is a "very big" signing for Celtic

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Olivier Ntcham's physical attributes can play a key part in their European campaign.

The France Under-21 international was left behind in Glasgow to work on his fitness as Celtic flew to Belfast for their opening Champions League qualifier against Linfield, but Rodgers expects him to play a key role this season following his reported #4.5million transfer from Manchester City.

The midfielder, who has been on loan with Serie A side Genoa for two seasons, described himself as a "powerful'' player after signing on Wednesday.

Rodgers told his club's official website: "I felt that, especially for the higher level, the speed and the power of the game involved is now very apparent, having worked there and having worked with players at that level.

"To make progress over the next couple of seasons, particularly at the European level, it is important for us to have those physical attributes in there.

"Olivier is a player I have been looking at for near on eight months now, so I was aware of him in the second half of last season and before that.

"He's a player I always felt could work well for us. He has everything: he's 21 years of age, he's got a little bit of experience in playing senior football, but now he really needs that opportunity to go and flourish.

"Technically, he's very gifted and, tactically, he understands the game at a good level. He has many different technical qualities - he can pass, he can dribble and he can shoot. He's highly gifted. Physically he has everything - he is powerful, quick and good in the duel.

"Mentally, it's just a case of him taking the next steps in his career, coming to play at a huge club with big demands and opportunity to play in the Champions League. For us, it's a very big signing.'

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