Celtic star Nir Bitton comments on being in and out of the side.
Celtic’s Nir Bitton (R) in action with Ross County’s Jackson Irvine (L)
Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton has featured in the club’s last seven matches but had a spell in December where he was in and out of the side.
Bitton told the club’s official website that he found this a struggle, and ended up questioning himself about what he was doing wrong.
He commented that he is adjusting to Brendan Rodgers’ constant demand for improvement and competition within the squad and is not taking his place for granted.
Bitton said: “When you don’t play, it’s quite difficult mentally and you are always thinking what am I doing wrong and why I’m not playing, but you need to accept it.
“When you play for a club like Celtic, there is competition for every position and you need to deal with it. I have played seven games in a row, I’m working hard and trying to show that I deserve to keep playing.”
The 25-year-old does have one key area to improve, in an attacking sense. In 31 appearances this season in all competitions he has netted only once.
While goalscoring is not his principle role, last season he managed eight goals, and provided six assists. This season he has just two assists.
Brendan Rodgers is evidently happy with what he is seeing from the midfielder at present, while Bitton is simply adjusting to the high standards the team are setting.
Ross County’s Ian McShane (R) in action with Celtic’s Nir Bitton
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