Nir Bitton is ideal candidate to make Celtic return at Rugby Park

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Celtic were insipid in the recent 2-0 Europa League loss to Valencia.

The midfield in particular looked jaded and tired. Scott Brown struggled to impose himself on the game, and was uncharacteristically poor in possession.

Brown looked like a player in need of a rest. It is debatable if he gets a rest at Rugby Park, which is a big game for the Hoops.

Should Brown be rested however, the ideal candidate to take his place in the side is Nir Bitton.

Bitton hasn’t started for the Hoops this season, as he made his return to the team from long-term injury in January.

But in this run of big games every member of the squad counts, and the Hoops have the biggest in Scotland.

Rodgers perhaps seems to be reticent to give Bitton a start in the side. Maybe this is due to his injury problems.

The flip-side to that though, is the danger of burning out the first-team regulars. That certainly looked to be the case with Brown against Valencia.

Bitton might look like a languid player, but that belies a tough exterior.

Brown is more likely than not going to start the game. But it would be folly not to consider involving Bitton at some stage, he is more than capable of doing a good job.