Nir Bitton released from Israel squad and it’s positive news for Celtic

Nir Bitton has been allowed to return to Celtic and prepare for next Sunday’s Glasgow derby at Ibrox, according to Israeli outlet Walla Sport.

Israel last night lost 2-0 in Germany in a friendly contest, and are next scheduled to face Romania on Tuesday night. It looked beforehand as though Bitton would be involved after playing 90 minutes last night. However, that doesn’t look like being the case.

The report states that the Israeli FA have confirmed this was always the original plan. Bitton will now be allowed to return to Lennoxtown well ahead of schedule before the preparations for Ibrox steps up.

Bitton has been utilised regularly by Ange Postecoglou this season and has made 35 appearances for the club since the managerial change. He’s featured in 6 of our last 7 Premiership matches, granted only one was from the start [Transfermarkt].

The former Ashdod star hasn’t been a regular in the starting XI. Therefore, it’s highly doubtful he’d make Ange’s first XI for Ibrox either. Even so, he’ll likely still have a role to play in Govan in some form. Having him back early is positive news for the manager.

And even more so given he looks like returning without carrying any knocks.

Nir Bitton to arrive back safe and sound as Celtic edge closer to Rangers clash

Bitton’s return will certainly be a boost for Ange. He’ll know exactly who he can trust to perform some big roles at Ibrox next week. Nir is certainly one of those.

Bitton has yet to actually play in a Glasgow derby this season after being on the bench for the first game at Ibrox back in August. He was then suspended for the visit of Rangers to Parkhead back in February.

He’ll be itching to make a positive impact this time around. Especially when you consider how important this game is to our season as a whole. A win and we’ve more or less secured the Premiership title barring a calamitous self-implosion.

Celtic fans feared heading into this international break that some of their top stars would get injured. After all, the likes of Bitton, Liel Abada, Josip Juranovic, Giorgos Giakoumakis, and Carl Starfelt are all away at the moment.

Thankfully, it looks as though we’ve gotten through the first round of international fixtures without any concerns. And having Nir back in the squad is an even bigger boost.

It’s one less thing for Ange to worry about. Here’s hoping next week goes just as smoothly.

In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou gives Giorgos Giakoumakis a further boost ahead of derby