Nir Bitton’s contract may run out at the end of the season, but the Celtic midfielder may have a chance to impress Neil Lennon yet.
Bitton was signed by the Northern Irishman back in 2013. Already this season, he’s made seven appearances for the club too.
Nobody could’ve foreseen the impact Bitton was going to have on our early-season performances. Lennon has trusted him to slot into centre-back when called upon. And, it’s fair to say that Bitton hasn’t exactly let his manager down so far.
And it looks as though he could be fighting for a new contract this season. Speaking in the Celtic View (Volume 55, Issue 06, Page 04), Lennon hailed his big Israeli, and described this year as a “big” one for him.
“Nir brings that calmness to the backline, that control, that level-headedness – all on top of everything else he brings to the game. He’s obviously got height on his side as well, and that’s always something which is good to have at centre-half.
“He reads the game very well, which is a great trait to have when playing in that area. It’s also the quality that they bring to those areas. That’s true versatility. It’s not just an ordinary player going in there, filling in a position, they’re also weighing in with a very important contribution (Bitton and Ajer).
“We’re all pleased for Nir. We’re pleased that he’s made a full recovery and that he’s getting more game-time. He’s very popular among the players, and he is in his last year of his contract, so this is an important year for him.”
Has Bitton started a quest for a new contract well enough?
Bitton has his faults at centre-back. He can be loose with his passing, and at times is caught out positionally too. But all things considered, he can definitely be pleased with his start to the season.
He’s started the opening two Premiership matches of the season, and doesn’t have to take any blame for Tuesday night’s disaster to Cluj given the fact he didn’t feature. Perhaps not bringing Bitton on is something Lenny now regrets for extra defensive cover.
But the way Lenny is talking, it sounds like he has the chance to have a crack at a new deal. Considering where the former Ashdod man was 12 months ago, that’s a real surprise. Remember, Bitton was out for 11 months with a knee injury. He only returned during the second-half of last season.
And since Lennon has come in the door, he’s been given renewed importance to the team. So much so that it certainly looks as though the Hoops boss is eyeing him up for a new deal if he continues in the same form.
That’s not something that should disappoint Celtic fans too much. If he continues to prove himself as reliable cover, then fine. He also has to accept the fact that he isn’t a first-choice, and likely won’t ever be again. But why else would Lennon claim this is a big year for him? He’ll have a chance to fight for his future here most certainly.
But in any case, it seems as though the big man still has a bit to go before any fresh terms come his way.
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