IT'S a new season and a new Celtic View feature as we catch up with the players and discover some of their interests away from the game. Here's a taster of what the official club magazine has to offer, with Nir Bitton's 'Tic-Fire Questions'...

Most memorable tournament you remember watching when you were younger?
Probably Euro 2004, when Greece won the tournament. They were huge underdogs and then won the tournament with hard work and effort. That whole competition stands out in my memory.

What do you listen to on your way to training?
I’m not specific on my way to training, but I have a playlist that I use on matchdays. It’s a real mix between English and Hebrew, and it just gets me in the zone.

Favourite holiday destination?
Probably the Maldives. It’s beautiful, relaxed, quiet, there’s good food, and you can just relax and rest.

Favourite TV shows?
I love Peaky Blinders, and Games of Thrones is up there too. The first seven seasons were unbelievable, but the last was a little rushed. You were expecting something big, but it didn’t live up to it. I’d say my all-time favourites are Peaky Blinder and Prison Break. I’ve watched Prison Break maybe four times, and every time I’ve watched it, I like it more. (Nir points to his tattoos) Maybe I’m trying to be Michael Schofield. I don’t think I have the face for it, though!

Favourite movies?
I don’t know about all-time favourites, but the most recent movie I watched was Aladdin. What a movie. Will Smith makes the entire movie. I really enjoyed it.

Favourite cuisine?
I’m a big fan of my wife’s food. Which is a good answer, but it’s true. I grew up on my mum’s food, and when I’ve moved away from home… I don’t want to say she cooks even better, but I have to say my wife’s cooking here.

Food you love but can’t eat because of diet?
Five Guys. I’m a big fan of Five Guys, but I’m not allowed it.

Last video game you played?
FIFA 2019 and NBA.

Advice you’d give your younger self?
Just never give up. Always work hard towards your target. You’ll have a lot of barriers throughout your career, but you always need to believe in your way and listen to the people who like you and love you. That’s what I’m trying to do with my little brother at the moment. He’s at that age.

Favourite skill away from football?
I’m a big basketball fan. I have the height, but I have the shot too. There’s a big team in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and they’ve won the European championship a few times. If you compare it to football, Maccabi Tel Aviv are equivalent to someone like Manchester United, they’re a very big team. They play every Thursday in the European league, so my wife knows that from 7pm to 9pm, you don’t talk to me!

Player from past generations you’d like to play alongside?
(Nir pauses for some time. The Celtic View suggests Neil Lennon)
I can’t say that! I would get stick from everyone in the dressing room - they’d call me a teacher’s pet. I’d say Ronaldinho. When I was growing up, he was a top, top player. He was a player that you’d pay money just to watch him and for him to entertain you. That’s what he did, and I think that if he was still playing today, he would be the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The latest issue of the Celtic View is out now. To download a digital version of the magazine, click on the banner below.

Celtic View feature: 'Tic-Fire Questions with Nir Bitton