Neil Lennon issues update on Celtic’s Nir Bitton after international call-up

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Neil Lennon has suggested, in comments reported by the Daily Record, that Nir Bitton is likely to only be ready in time for Celtic’s next game – despite the 28-year-old being called up for international duty.

Bitton has featured in six games for the Hoops this season. However, he had to be replaced just 10 minutes into their Europa League qualifier with Sarajevo this month due to an ankle injury.

He subsequently missed their weekend win. But that has not stopped Israel calling Bitton up for this international break.

However, Lennon has made it clear that he does not expect to see the defender feature in any of his nation’s upcoming games.

“I don’t think he’ll be fit to play for them. I reckon he won’t be ready for that until the first game after the break,” he said, as reported by the Daily Record.

Bitton is not a player who grabs many of the headlines for Celtic. And it is probably fair to suggest that he has come in for some criticism during his time at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, it would still be a boost to have him back available for the first Old Firm game of the campaign. He has often stepped up when needed to come in and produce a solid performance.

Lennon will surely be hoping that he does not need to call upon Bitton and can leave him on the bench perhaps. But he is certainly a good option to have in the ranks for the clash with Rangers.

So he will surely be left extremely unhappy if Bitton ultimately gets the opportunity to add to his 29 caps for his country over the coming days, in light of his comments.