On The Defensive

Nir Bitton has slotted impressively into a new role and is happy to fulfil any position for the team

- Mark Henderson

TAKING a step back on the field could be the key to Nir Bitton gathering fresh forward momentum in his Celtic career.

Fierce competition for places in the midfield department has limited the Israeli internationalist’s starting opportunities since competitive action got underway this season, but when central defenders Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko were hit by injury, Brendan Rodgers knew he had an ace up his sleeve in Bitton.

From the moment, he was flung on as a first-half substitute in the crucial UEFA Champions League win away to Rosenborg, a match of huge magnitude and pressure, he has looked right at home in the heart of the backline, strolling through games with confidence and composure, to the extent it appeared he had played there for his whole career.

While central midfield will always be his preferred position, the 25-year-old told the View that he is just delighted to get on the pitch for the Hoops, wherever he is asked to play.

“I just try to do my best,” he told the View in an exclusive interview. “It’s quite similar to playing as a defensive midfielder, just with a bit more responsibility so I’m happy to do it and I enjoy playing the role.

“There are no people to cover you so you have to be more alert of what is happening behind you and your position. The way the gaffer wants us to play is much easier as a defender because you always know when you get the ball that you have a chance to create opportunities.