Former Celtic star Nir Bitton is backing his old teammate Callum McGregor to become the Bhoys most decorated player in history. The big Israeli spent several years working with the now Celtic captain at Parkhead and although Cal Mac has already won 20 honours with the club, he reckons he can achieve more yet still.
Now at Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland, where they have just appointed former Celtic striker, Robbie Keane, Bitton had nothing but praise for his former cohort and believes he will become the man with the most trophies under his belt one day. He said: “I hope for Callum that he becomes the club’s most-decorated player,” via Daily Record. “He has already achieved something special with all he’s won and as a Treble-winning club captain.
“It’s something he can be proud of and I really hope for him and the club that he can get to the top of the list. Celtic have been successful in the last few years and there is no reason why they can’t continue it. Callum is a great player and a great man – he represents everything Celtic for me. He is willing to go as far as he can in training and in games, such is his determination to win.He has taken on the armband and is an important part of the club.
“Scott Brown was one of the best captains I played under for his character, his leadership, his qualities. He took Callum under his wing for a while and Callum has managed to fill his boots as best he can. Callum is a great player and a great role model to all the young players. It’s great for him that he has secured his future with a new deal. He is playing where he wants to be and will hopefully be a Celtic player for life. He deserves this. You see Callum’s leadership qualities and he is a great example to the young players at Celtic.”
Bitton is also happy to see the return of his former gaffer, Brendan Rodgers to the Parkhead hot-seat and reckons success will swiftly follow once again for the Hoops this time too. He said: “They have brought in a manager who has been there before and he knows what it takes to be the manager. He is an amazing boss and can take them to new heights and win more trophies.
“Under Brendan we played really good football and had a good group of players. He’s a top manager and I don’t see any reason why they can’t continue their success over the next few years. It’s not going to be easy but they have the leadership to keep it going.”
Of his newly appointed boss with a Celtic connection in former Republic of Ireland international Keane, the utility man said: “Robbie is a big name in football and it is going to be good to learn from him and his experience in the game. I’m looking forward to it. We’ve had a little chat about Celtic. He was there for a few months and enjoyed it.”
Paul Gillespie
