BBC pundit Pat Bonner disappointed with Nir Bitton’s display, suggests what he must change

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Pat Bonner thinks Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton needs to play with greater tempo.

Celtic’s Nir Bitton (R) celebrates

Pundit Pat Bonner has told BBC Sport that he thinks Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton ‘needs to up his tempo’ having been disappointed with his display against Rangers.

Celtic beat Rangers for the second time this season on Sunday, and whilst the first game in September ended in a 5-1 win for Brendan Rodgers’ side, it was a much closer affair this time around.

Celtic’s Nir Bitton in action with Rangers’ Andy Halliday

With a place in the Scottish League Cup final up for grabs, Celtic claimed a 1-0 win with a late goal from Moussa Dembele, setting up a final clash with Aberdeen.

Manager Rodgers will be delighted to have already made a cup final with Celtic, and he’ll be pleased with the performances of some of his players, including Jozo Simunovic and Scott Brown.

However, not everybody impressed against Rangers. Midfielder Nir Bitton didn’t quite have the same impact as Brown in the middle of the park, and he’s now been criticised by former goalkeeper Pat Bonner.

Celtic’s Nir Bitton (R) in action with Ross County’s Jackson Irvine (L)

Pundit Bonner told BBC Sport that he thinks Bitton ‘did okay’, but needs to ramp up his tempo, suggesting that there is more to come from the Israeli midfielder.

“Needs to up his tempo a little bit more,” said Bitton. “Went off injured and did okay but there’s more to come from him as a player,” he added.

Patrick Thistle’s Abdul Osman (L) in action with Celtic’s Nir Bitton (R)

Bitton’s game generally revolves around recycling possession and keeping the ball ticking over, but he has a naturally languid style that means he does slow play down at times.

It’s just over a year since the Glasgow Evening Times reported that Arsenal were looking at Bitton, whilst the Daily Record noted over the summer that Celtic valued Bitton at £10m to scare off Espanyol, meaning the midfielder is still highly rated, but needs to step up his game under Rodgers.

What did you think of Bitton’s performance against Rangers?