Writer’s view: Nir Bitton could make Celtic cup final plans

Add as preferred source on Google

Nir Bitton could be a shock inclusion in Neil Lennon’s cup final plans for Celtic.

The Israeli international has been in and out the team since returning form injury.

However, he managed to bench first-choice Christopher Jullien against Hamilton Accies on Wednesday. This suggests that Bitton is in the Irishman’s mind for the crunch final on Sunday afternoon at Hampden Park.

Nir Bitton in at the back for Celtic?

The 28-year-old was out for a few months following an injury at Ibrox in the last Rangers game. Bitton helped keep the Gers quiet as the Hoops won 0-2.

Bitton was replaced by Bauer as the champions successfully ended the last third of the game with three at the back. Could Lennon be thinking along those lines again for the cup final?

There was really no other reason why Jullien was replaced by Bitton other than to get him sharp.

Celtic have issues at full-back on Sunday due to injuries and Greg Taylor’s ineligibility. There is a high chance that Jeremie Frimpong will play as a wing-back with Elyounoussi covering the left.

This leaves a risky back three of Bitton, Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer to deal with Alfredo Morelos.

If Boli Bolingoli is back then having Frimpong on the other side will still allow three at the back. However, there are weaknesses that Steven Gerrard can exploit with this selection.

Gers boss would open Hoops wide gaps

It’s almost certain Ryan Kent will be in for Rangers with Scott Arfield on the right, coming into the centre. Kent will love the space in behind Frimpong that will be afforded to him if the Dutchman is further up the park.

The three centre-backs will all be targeting Morelos, giving Kent more free time on the byline to get into the box.

Bitton didn’t have the strongest of games against Hamilton either and isn’t a natural centre-back.

He did pass the Ibrox test in September though with flying colours. It’ll be interesting to see which way Lennon goes on Sunday if his injured full-backs are still unavailable.

Defeat will not be acceptable to the Celtic fans and a move to three at the back will be first cited reason for the loss.