Nir Bitton returning to Celtic due to agreement with National Team

Nir Bitton has been granted early leave by Israel as part of an agreement between the defensive midfielder’s National Team and Celtic. Bitton has made 35 appearances so far this season for Celtic and Walla Sport, an Israeli publication, are stating that an agreement is in place which means that the player will make a return to Scotland ahead of the game against Rangers.

The 30-year-old played 90 minutes for Israel against Germany but will miss the game against Romania on Tuesday after the Israeli FA agreed to release him in order for him to be involved in the preparations for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.

Elsewhere, his compatriot Liel Abada scored a screamer for Israel’s U21s against Poland and will now set his sights on the game against Germany on Tuesday. Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that his international brigade returns without any incident as he looks to field his strongest XI in a game that could be pivotal come the end of May.

Celtic played in a bounce game against Motherwell as they ramp up their preparations for the next game against Giovanni van Bronkhorst’s team. Ange’s men ran out 5-2 winners at Lennoxtown as a raft of fringe players were able to get minutes under their belt.