Bitton reveals how he feels playing Israeli side

Nir Bitton has revealed what it’s like playing for Celtic against an Israeli side in Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The 24-year-old played his first game since recovering from a an ankle injury he sustained against Barcelona in Dublin, and quickly made his mark on the game.

Bitton lined up against his fellow countrymen and oozed class as he controlled the game from midfield in the final 30 minutes, helping Celtic move one step closer of returning to the Champions League group stages.

Confusion surrounded Celtic’s fourth goal with many believing Bitton had scored but the goal was correctly awarded to Moussa Dembele in the end.

As quoted by the Daily Express, he said:

It’s not the perfect scenario for me. It’s nice to celebrate in front of your family and friends but I will not go over the top in front of my own countrymen.

The only thing I want is to go to the Champions League, and who we beat to get there is not the main thing. Football is all about respect and it would not be right to show disrespect to this team.

I’ve never played in this stadium before because it’s newly built but the fans will be the same as before. They are renowned as one of the best in Israel and especially now with their team on a high as champions.

Celtic scored three first half goals but all their prowess was undone in the space of two minutes in the second half by Be’er Sheva.

Brendan Rodgers made three substitutes in the previously mentioned Bitton and Dembele as well as Saidy Janko, and his bold move saw Celtic score twice more in the game.

Bitton will hope to be involved against his fellow countrymen next week when Celtic travel to face Be’er Sheva in the return leg, and guide the Hoops to another Champions League group stage berth.

Having become a key player in the Israeli national team and playing for a renowned club like Celtic, Bitton will potentially play in front of his family and against many of his friends who will hope he isn’t on the winning end for once.

Before that however, the midfielder will be focussed on domestic matters for Rodgers’ side, as they travel to Perth to face St Johnstone on Saturday.