Abada sad to see ‘big brother’ exit Celtic

GIVEN the credit Liel Abada gave to Nir Bitton for helping him adjust so quickly to life off the field in Scotland following his arrival from Israel, allowing him to make such an immediate impact on it, Celtic fans may have been concerned that the winger’s compatriot and mentor moved on at the end of last season.

Like any good ‘big brother’ though, as Abada describes him, perhaps Bitton knew that his protege was ready to stand on his own two feet. In his latest interview, Abada certainly comes across as being comfortable in his environment.

“When I first came to Celtic I didn’t speak English, I had a teacher and he would help me whenever I needed help.,” Abada told Celtic TV.

“Nir Bitton was a big brother to me and I would speak to him about everything and he helped me a lot last year. I really love him and miss him.

“The manager has been big for me because he gave me the confidence last year and hopefully this season I can improve.

“I have targets for goals and assists but I want to keep that to myself, maybe ask me at the end of the season and I will tell you if I reached them.

“Hopefully I get a lot of goals and assists for the club and help the team this year.”

Among Abada’s abundant highlight reel from last season were two particular standout moments, not only for how well executed his finishes were, but for the importance of the strikes.

“I think I have two favourite goals from last season – one against Dundee United and one against Rangers,” he said.

“If you ask me what’s better it’s a difficult question but the goal against Dundee United was so important as we played Rangers after as well.”

In the here and now, Abada has to prove himself all over again, and attempt to force his way into Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.

He got around 25 minutes from the bench in the opening day win over Aberdeen, with

Jota starting on the right to accommodate Daizen Maeda from the left, and he is hoping for more of a chance to impress when Celtic head to Dingwall on Saturday.

“Ross County is a difficult game and to win we need to play our football and do our jobs and hopefully we will get the three points in this game,” he