Nir Bitton has featured regularly for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side this season.
Bitton has been used as a centre-back on occasion for the Bhoys, with Rodgers having to fill the void in the heart of his defence.
Celtic have struggled to find a consistent pairing in the heart of their defence, due to injury problems.
Bitton has slotted into the heart of Celtic’s backline, but has not always earned widespread praise.
And Rodgers claims that Bitton hasn’t been given the credit that he deserves.
“We all knew he was a midfield player but we were in a position where we had to try to find a way to get through into the Champions League,” Rodgers said.
“He did exceptionally well in some of the games, even the last game against Bayern Munich when he was outstanding.
“I felt some people were looking to confirm their own bias towards him, in relation to him not being a centre-half.
“In doing so they forgot the brilliant job he did for us over the course of that campaign. But we want to continue strengthening the squad.”
Celtic are expected to bring in a centre-back in the January transfer window, which should allow Bitton to return to his more favoured midfield role on a regular basis.
Bitton has made 17 appearances across all competitions for Celtic this term, and is playing an important role for Rodgers’ side.
Celtic are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Ross County, and Bitton is expected to feature.
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