SAYS NIR BITTON
BY CRAIG SWAN NIR BITTON answered an emergency call at centreback the last time Celtic reached the Champions League group stage.
After that 2017 play-off win over Astana, Brendan Rodgers outlined the value of the Israeli’s adaptability as a huge reason for qualification.
Fast forward almost two years and Bitton is answering an identical call for Neil Lennon at the start of the latest assault on Europe’s elite competition.
And while it looks likely Tuesday’s success in Sarajevo will be a one-off emergency – with his gaffer believing a huge season in the middle of the park can lie ahead – the versatile Parkhead ace won’t have any problems helping out again.
Bitton was composed as the champions kicked off their campaign with a comeback success in Bosnia.
For the 27-year-old it was another marquee outing on his return after 11 months on the sidelines with knee issues.
Bitton is determined to grasp any opportunity which comes his way under Lennon and do whatever he can in the club’s quest to make the big time.
He said: “Maybe I need to play centre-back more often and we could go to Champions League every year!
“Seriously, as long as I play, I try to do my best. I played at centre-back for Israel against Poland and felt good.
“It’s all about how you prepare yourself and grow into games. It’s good to be back and it’s good to be on the pitch.
“It doesn’t matter which position I play, so long as I can play, especially in these type of European games as they are so good to be part of. I just hope it continues.”
Somewhat of a forgotten man following that lengthy injury lay-off, it’s worth recalling the midfielder has operated at the top level for club and country.
Lennon was the man who signed him from Ashdod six years ago and had no hesitation plunging him straight into his first two games back as boss as the Hoops won key contests at Hearts and Hibs on last term’s treble Treble run.
Bitton said: “I appreciate the gaffer really rates me. He was the one who brought me into Celtic and he believed in me when he did that.
“He gave me the confidence to play in the first place and, for as long as he gives me chances in the future, I’ll always try to do my best for him, the fans and for the club because of all of the faith they have shown in me.”
Bitton’s talents won’t stop Lennon trying to add to his engine room with a bid lodged for Brentford’s Romaine Sawyers.
But the Israeli isn’t fazed and said: “I always feel I can do a job for Celtic. When you play for a club this size you always have competition and you always expect it.
“Other players will push you to the edge, new players coming to the club, players showing good form and that is the best thing about playing here.
“You know if you take your foot off the gas just one time you can lose your space in the team and when you get the opportunities to play you must take them and perform.
“Hopefully, I will get a chance to play more this season.”
Bitton did those chances no harm with his performance in Sarajevo as Celtic coped with a tricky opening tie to virtually book their place in the second qualifying round with a 3-1 away win.
It was step one of a major eight-game mission completed and he said: “Every season that I have been at Celtic has been very challenging for us.
“It’s such a big club to play for and that means there is always pressure and expectations placed on to you at all times.
“The Champions League is a big target. If we can get that it will be a big boost.
“We just need to make sure we go to the games all of the way through the qualifiers and we concentrate.”