Neil Lennon expecting Nir Bitton to fight for a new contract | OneFootball

After suffering a devastating knee injury at the end of the 2017/18 campaign and making just 10 appearances last season, it appeared that Nir Bitton was set to see out the last year of his contract.

However, the midfielder has already made seven appearances this season and has looked surprisingly impressive when he’s been called upon.

Now Celtic boss Neil Lennon has labeled this season a ‘big year’ for the Israel international.

“Nir brings that calmness to the backline, that control, that level-headedness – all on top of everything else he brings to the game,” Lennon said.

“He’s obviously got height on his side as well, and that’s always something which is good to have at centre-half.

“He reads the game very well, which is a great trait to have when playing in that area. It’s also the quality that they bring to those areas. That’s true versatility.

“It’s not just an ordinary player going in there, filling in a position, they’re also weighing in with a very important contribution (Bitton and Ajer).

“We’re all pleased for Nir. We’re pleased that he’s made a full recovery and that he’s getting more game-time.

“He’s very popular among the players, and he is in his last year of his contract, so this is an important year for him.”

Celtic are back in action on Saturday when they face Dunfermline Athletic at Celtic Park.