It wasn’t quite a debut but Biram Kayal certainly introduced himself to the SPL with his commanding energetic display in Celtic’s 2-0 win over Rangers on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Israeli midfielder hadn’t started a match since September but showed that his hernia problems were well in the past.
Early on in the game his tenacious style looked like getting him into bother but he showed maturity beyond his years to stay on the right side of referee Craig Thomson to avoid a booking until the last ten minutes.
Neil Lennon rightly predicted that player’s Celtic career’s are judged on how they perform against Rangers with the former Maccabi Haifa man laying down the most impressive markers.
Competition for places in the Celtic midfield is incredibly fierce with half a dozen players fighting it out for at the most three places.
With his foot in the door it’s going to take something special to shift Kayal out of the Celtic team as his manager acknowledged.
Lennon said: “He did exactly what we thought he was capable of. We brought him here because he is good at breaking the play up and strong in the tackle.
“I thought he did that brilliantly. He was a bit rusty to start off with, which is understandable given the length of time he was out for but once he found a foothold in the game he was absolutely magnificent.
“We haven’t had a player like that for a while, especially away from home, who can dig in, break play up and put his foot on the ball. He did that well.”
Some players have been known to wilt in the heat of a Glasgow derby- Kayal revelled in the confrontation.
Despite his lengthy lay off he was still going strong in injury time and firing in shots that troubled Allan McGregor.
The win did more than give Celtic three SPL points with the Israeli bhoy well aware of the significance of putting one over on the enemy.
He said: “It was a huge game and I am happy about the victory, especially because it was my first derby here.
“It was obviously one of the biggest and, for the most part, fun games of my career. I really enjoyed it.
“I have played in the Champions League but that was nothing compared to this win. “It was just a dream to play and win and it was hard for me to understand just how big this game is – but I know now.
“The victory is so important for us. We are top of the table and if you want to win the title you have to win the derby games against Rangers. It was an extremely important win for us psychologically.”
Note Biram’s name seems to be spelt Beram and Baram by various sources but I’m assured that the Hebrew translation is Biram.
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I thought Kayal an Arab-Israeli? Would his name be Hebrew? I am sure I read he was Muslim. Although I am not 100% sure of this. Muslim, Hindu, Shito, worshipper of Obi Wan Kenobi, member of the Airdrie Loyal Flute band I could not care less if this is what he contributes to the team. Just what we need. Keep him n the team.
I guess the reason the article alluded to the hebrew spelling of his name is due to the fact he played in the Israeli league and the mother tongue here is Hebrew, although arabic is very common in the north where I live.
The article’s right about Kayal’s first name being spelled Biram in English.
Agree with you in that I couldn’t care what his background is, as long as he does the biz on the park. We could do with an Itay Shechter at CP also, maybe Kayal can talk him into coming seeing as he’s available on loan till the end of the season.
good article. thought he had a great game. he could be a great player-has a good touch, v good passing range, breaks up play, has a good long range shot…and only 22.
also in his first press conference joe, he was speaking arabic
Was enjoying this up until the Airdrie bit…:0)
I am assured he is a Kafflick with Muslim ante-cedents ..on his Granny’s side….although his Grandfather is definitely Jewish…..when they got married ..the choir sang the Oiveh Maria..
have a good day…
What an impressive, well educated multi lingual bunch you are!
He’s a Celt, can play a bit and knows what a win over Rangers means to the supporters
Welcome Bhram Khayal!
He is a Kafflick ‘though Joe….
Pax Vobiscum….
The one thing we know he is, is a Celtic player. That’ll do nicely!
I was mildly teasing….I couldn’t care what he is….as long as he bosses the mid-field for us….like Sunday….
Pax Vobiscum…
His name is spelt Biram Kayal. He is an Israeli- Arab. Which means he is a full citizen of Israel and has all rights as such.
Many people are not aware of the fact that Israel is a multicultural society with Jews, Muslims and Christians who live in peace.
The press unfortunately portrays this country somewhat differently. How do I know this, coz I live here!
Really happy about Biram’s contribution on Sunday and believe me, there is more to come from him as long as he stays fit!
Cheers and hail hail form Tel Aviv!