‘He’s been absolutely superb,’ Lenny confirms new deal planned for Nir Bitton

NOW that the transfer window has closed Celtic will turn their attention to extending contracts of several of the club’s top stars. Yesterday we told you that Odsonne Edouard is in line for an autumn contract extension – see HERE.

Callum McGregor is another who is going to be offered a new deal but perhaps the most urgent task is for Celtic to get Nir Bitton signed up on a new contract as he is now into the last year of his current deal.

Bitton is very keen to stay at Celtic, delighted that Neil Lennon is back in charge and eager to re-pay the club after being out injured for a year or so. He has been converted into a central defender this season and was absolutely outstanding at Ibrox on Beautiful Sunday – goals by Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes gave Celtic a two goal win and a three point advantage at the top of the table – before going off with a hamstring strain.

That injury will keep the popular Israeli out for three weeks and in that time Celtic should be able to confirm a new deal for the 27 year old.

Neil Lennon gave every indication that this will happen when he spoke to the media on Friday at Lennoxtown.

“I was delighted with the way he was playing, he’s been outstanding whether he has played in midfield or at centre-half,” the Celtic manager said, as reported in Scottish Sun.

“Sometimes he can be a bit too composed! But from what I’ve seen of him lately, he’s been absolutely superb.

“There’s a maturity about him as well that has pleased me.

“Obviously we know about his contract situation and that’s something we’ll be looking to change as we go along too.

“Hopefully we can get it sorted soon,” the Celtic manager said.

Next up will be Callum McGregor who attracted interest from Brendan Rodgers just before the English transfer window closed in middle of August. Rodgers, who BR-exited Celtic at the end of February to take over a Leicester side who had a relatively easy run in to the end of the season.

That allowed Rodgers to get some decent results and after a reasonably good start to the new campaign, the media on Saturday are talking about the former Celtic manager having taken more points in the Premiership since taking over at Leicester than any other side outside of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Wonder who pointed those stats out to them Brendan?

ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…

Resolution 12 – Dramatic Returns at Hamilton v Celtic Match, Shareholder Signatures in Bus Park…see HERE.

Ibrox Shock as Director of Football Resigns, looks like a Major Boost for Celtic…see HERE.

Good and Bad News – Ajer and Rogic’s both fit but Bitton’s out for 3 weeks and Jozo’s seeing a specialist…see HERE.

Sir Paul McCartney’s Brexit Back-stop Buster, Celtic mad Sir Rod Stewart, Johnny Mac and the Faithful…see HERE.

New Deal for Edouard as Broony reveals how French striker Spooked the Rangers…see HERE.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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