OLIVIER Ntcham believes the return of captain Scott Brown will enable Celtic to reclaim their best form in the Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday night. 

The Scottish champions were unconvincing against Ladbrokes Premiership rivals Dundee at Parkhead on Saturday even though a second half Ntcham strike sealed a 1-0 victory.

However, Brendan Rodgers rested several first team regulars ahead of the Group B match in Germany – including skipper Brown. 

Read more: Celtic need Scott Brown's influence as they head to Munich for Champions League test

Ntcham is confident having his midfield partner back in the Allianz Arena will result in an improved showing.

“It is important to have our captain fit again and I hope he is going to play in this game,” he said.

“I am very happy for him that he is back.

“He gives us a real team spirit. He is always fighting and refuses to ever give up. He is always on the ball and trying to get us going.

“Even if he doesn’t have it, he will always try and win it back. It’s really good to have him. Without him in the team, the same feeling on the pitch is not there. It’s not there. 

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“He helps me a lot. There have been times when things have not been so good, maybe when I have not felt comfortable, and he encourages me.

Ntcham started the Champions League match against Anderlecht poorly last month before recovering and helping to set up the opening goal with an exceptional pass to Kieran Tierney.

The 21-year-old revealed how Brown helped him come good as Celtic 
eventually won 3-0.

“At the start of the match against Anderlecht, I even surprised myself,” he said.

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“I felt like I was missing everything and not getting things right. But some days can be like that. Other days, it seems 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.

“Scott helped me 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 is another who is always speaking to me.”

Read more: Jim Craig and John Clark urge next Scotland boss to play Kieran Tierney in favoured role​

Ntcham has also revealed he is desperate to get the better of former France Under-21 team mate Kingsley Coman in Munich.

“Kingsley is a friend of mine and we keep in touch,” he said. “When I went on the international break, he was there with us. It was good to see him.

“He scored on Saturday against Freiburg so I’m happy for him!

"We spoke about the Bayern v Celtic game. He was saying they are going to win, but I said we hope we are going to win as well. 

“We will all see what happens on Wednesday night.”