Olivier Ntcham proud to receive Cameroon call

Olivier Ntcham hopes his first experience of senior international football will benefit he and Swansea City moving forward.

The 26-year-old midfielder has linked up with the Cameroon squad as they prepare for home and away World Cup qualifiers against Algeria.

Ntcham represented France at age-grade level, but qualifies for Cameroon through his parents.

And it will be a proud moment for the former Celtic man should he get to make his bow at the highest level of the game.

“I am really looking forward to it, because obviously this is something very exciting for me,” said Ntcham.

“I hope something good will come out of this for me and help me as a player.

“I know my family are very proud of this decision I have made to represent Cameroon. I hope I will get a chance and I think my family are hoping to come and watch one of the games.”

The Swans headed into the international break on the back of a goalless draw against Birmingham, with head coach Russell Martin admitting his side had lacked energy after a relentless schedule and some long away journeys in quick succession.

And, while Ntcham will himself be on his travels, he believes the brief pause in Championship hostilities will benefit the Swansea squad as a whole.

“It was disappointing (against Birmingham) as I felt we had some chances to score and win the game, especially early on,” he said.

“But we did not take them and so we have to take the point.

“I think the break will help us, the last couple of weeks have been very tough, with a lot of travelling and long journeys on the bus.

“This can make recovery difficult, so the chance to work on the training pitch and be ready for the final games will be important.”