I’M NOT NIR END
Bitton fights for his future
NIR BITTON has vowed to grab his Celtic reprieve after describing one game with the champions as worth more than 10 anywhere else.
The Israeli international is suddenly right back in the Parkhead spotlight operating as a central defender to answer an SOS from boss Brendan Rodgers.
With Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata injured, Bitton has slotted into a defensive role.
And the knocks sustained by the Dane and the Belgian could prove a turning point in the future of their team-mate.
For long spells of last term, Bitton cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines.
Ousted from the team by Stuart Armstrong before the turn of the year, he was unable to regain a regular spot and was reduced to bit-part roles in the run-in to the Invincibles Treble.
The signings of Kouassi Eboue and Olivier Ntcham for Bitton’s preferred midfield holding role alongside skipper Scott Brown have pushed him further down the engine-room pecking order.
Bitton’s no different from anyone else. He wants to play. Teams are keen to sign him and give him that chance.
Rodgers himself even intimated during last term he could understand the player’s frustration at lack of action.
Yet there has been no sulking. No whinging. No complaining or hammering a manager’s door.
Bitton has put the head down and waited for his break. Now it has come, even if in an unfamiliar position.
Of course, Sviatchenko and Boyata will be back at some point and Bitton may again return to fringe mode but he appreciates being at Celtic and will never go banging and screaming for a move from such a prestigious club.
He said: “Of course everyone wants to play but this is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. When you get a chance to play for a club like this, you do your very best to stay here.
“You don’t leave this club for every offer that comes along. It’s not the same when you don’t play but I will always do my best to help this club.
“Every season is important to your career and when you play for Celtic it’s one of the biggest stages in Europe.
“Every game I play here is the same as 10 games for another club. So as long as I am here, I will do my best to stay in the team. I don’t think about offers. There are people who work behind the scenes on that but I don’t think about it. I’m really happy at Glasgow and at Celtic.”
Bitton’s attitude is to be commended, just like his ability to slot into a crucial area in the team’s hour of need.
Rodgers needed him to spring from the bench to get through the Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg five days ago and he was back in place from the start against Hearts at the weekend.
The Israeli shone. He wasn’t overworked but had ability to step out from the back and play a killer pass for Leigh Griffiths’ key opening goal.
He said: “Do I like playing in defence? I like playing! It doesn’t matter where I play. As long as the gaffer gives me my chance in the team I will do my best.
“Our centre-backs have been really unlucky to get injured and I have to play. I feel sorry for Erik because it’s not the best to be injured. I hope they come back soon and stronger.
“Now there’s me and Jozo. And I am better than Jozo! I’m just kidding.
“But I’ve played there a few times before and it’s similar to defensive midfield. If you are a professional, you need to be able to adapt and do your best. Centre-back is not about being a hard man.
“In the biggest clubs in Europe they are not the strongest or the quickest but can read the game and understand the position. I will do my best.
“Some managers like to play long balls and fighting for second balls but Brendan Rodgers’ philosophy is about moving the ball quickly, keeping possession and not just kicking the ball up the pitch.
“All centre-backs at Celtic can play out from the back. Hopefully I help the team like I did for the first goal against Hearts.
“I don’t look at it like it’s my best chance to stay in the team or not. When you play for Celtic there’s always competition no matter what position you play. I was brought here as a midfielder but I’m now playing centre back. I just enjoy playing.”
Bitton strolled it against Hearts and was able to keep Kyle Lafferty quiet.
The frustrated Hearts striker could have been sent off for a blatant dive or a challenge on Kieran Tierney when already on a yellow card.
Asked if his direct opponent should have been off, Bitton added: “Well, he got a yellow card then it was a 100 per cent dive. But it doesn’t matter. We won 4-1 and it has gone now.”