When Friends Become Foes

Several Celts will be on opposing sides when Scotland take on Israel in their Euro 2020 play-off clash

RYAN Christie will be a key figure in Scotland’s bid for a place at Euro 2020 next summer, which resumes in March when they take on Israel in the play-off semi-final.

It’s a one-off match, with the winner progressing to the final to meet the winners of the Norway versus Serbia clash.

And Christie, along with his fellow Scottish Celts, is looking forward to facing Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed when Israel come to Hampden in March next year.

“When the news got through there was a bit of a laugh and a joke with Nir,” revealed Christie. “Nir is great to have in the team, not just for his ability but his personality too. Everyone really likes him and he makes us laugh, so he’s been chipping in with a comment or two already.

“Hatem has been working hard on his rehab so he’s not really had a chance to contribute much yet. With Nir being here a bit longer he probably understands what it would mean for the Celtic boys to get through.”

Both sides will be familiar with each other, given they faced each other in the same Nations League group. Israel defeated Scotland 2-1 in Israel, and Scotland won 3-2 win in Glasgow thanks to a James Forrest hat-trick.

Christie said the results from last year will give both sides confidence going into the game in March.

“It’s one of the better draws that we could have got,” said Christie. “All of them were going to be tough but we’re happy with the draw. The confidence in the team is good just now so we were always going to be happy with whoever we got.