Nir Future

Israeli internationalist, Nir Bitton’s start to the term bodes well for upcoming season

NIR Bitton’s aim for the new season is simple - play as many games as he can for Celtic. The Israeli internationalist says he feels in the best shape of his life after pre-season and heads into the new campaign with an entirely different perspective on football as a result of the last year.

Bitton reflected on Celtic’s training camp in Austria and Switzerland with the calmness and sense of satisfaction of someone who has achieved what they set out to do. Injury robbed him of pre-season last year, having picked up a knock early in February 2018, but Bitton reported for pre-season this year having made his return to action some months earlier.

That allowed him to hit the ground running and has left him feeling confident of his ability to continue impressing in the competitive games ahead.

“I’m happy with how pre-season went,” said the 27-year-old. “We had a few good games in Austria and Switzerland. It’s been good to be back with the boys again and feel the pitch again. We have important games ahead of us and big targets, so we’re all working hard to make it happen.

“Pre-seasons are always quite similar, but this year’s felt very productive. The whole team is feeling positive about what we’re trying to achieve. It doesn’t really feel like a pre-season, it’s more of an in-between period. Still, we always look forward to getting back and seeing each other. I always enjoy being back with the boys and enjoy the atmosphere in the dressing room.

“The break felt short, but I managed to get away with my family to the Maldives. That was the second time I’ve gone there. It’s good, I like the place. You can relax, chill, take a rest from everything and then go again.