Among the signings made by Celtic over the last 12 months one of the most interesting is Nir Biton.
With Neil Lennon’s midfield working well Biton’s red card against Ajax was the last thing that he needed but despite that black mark he bounced back to make a big impression during a key part to the season.
Showing a composure way beyond his years Biton was outstanding as a holding midfielder during some of Celtic’s most impressive performances such as the heavy wins away to Hearts and Motherwell in December.
With Stefan Johansen and Liam Henderson also making an impact in the second half of the season midfield is one area of the park that Lennon is unlikely to be looking at during the close season.
Moving from Israeli football to the unique Glasgow spotlight could prove traumatic but Biton already feels at home in his adopted city.
“I have met a lot of Israelis and Jews who are very special, and I also have Beram Kayal here with me which is great,” the midfielder told Israeli newspaper Haaretz. ” Although sometimes it’s hard to understand the Scottish accent, everything is okay, and I am figuring it out. At the end of the day, I came to play football, and I came to do what I love.
“I really am enjoying my time here and am very happy here. I am learning a lot from veterans and the coaching staff; there is a lot to learn. I signed a contract for four years, and I am not in a rush to get anywhere. My goal is just to improve.”
Looking back at his debut as a substitute away to AC Milan he added: ”
“Going from playing in a stadium of 8,000 to getting to a club that plays in the Champions League every year and fights for a championship every year is what every player in Israel dreams of. Playing for Celtic is very special.”