Lennon suggests big role for Bitton at Celtic in 2019/20

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Neil Lennon has suggested Nir Bitton will have a big role to play in the upcoming season.

The manager has laid down the gauntlet to the Israel international, who is fully fit again after spending almost a year nursing a knee injury.

Bitton returned to the first-team picture in January as a substitute against Hamilton, and went on to make 10 appearances for the Treble Treble winners.

Speaking after Celtic’s 3-1 win over Sarajevo, in which Bitton was deplyed as a central defender, Lennon said (Scottish Sun): “I’m looking for a big season from Nir, no matter what position he plays.

“We have now thrown down the challenge to him to step up and make an impact on the team. He has the game to do it.

“Nir is 27 and he’s a good athlete. There is more to come from him.”

TBR’s view

After such a long time out, 2019/20 is a big season for Bitton, and he’ll be encouraged by Lennon’s words.

His versatility could stand him in good stead, with a host of good options available to the manager in midfield such as Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham.

Lennon says he would prefer to use Bitton as a holding midfielder, but he’ll have to bring his A-game if he is to become a regular in the engine room.