NIR Bitton has spoken exclusively to the official match programme for this Sunday’s Premiership match against Hearts at Celtic Park.

The Israeli internationalist is back to full fitness this season after missing much of the last campaign through injury, and he’s already shown his value to the squad in the early stages of the campaign, whether in a midfield role or in central defence.

You can read the full and exclusive interview with Nir Bitton in the official match programme, which is on sale at Sunday’s game, but here are a few of the highlights.

ON RETURNING TO ACTION
‘It’s good to be back on the pitch, it’s good to be playing games every week. My legs are feeling it now, but that keeps me going. It’s good to be back playing with the boys and I hope this continues. We know that if we do the things we’re supposed to, we’re a difficult team to play against. When you are recovering from a bad injury, you don’t think too much about the big games you might play in the future, your focus in fully on recovery and getting back on the pitch. Of course, your aim is always to play in the big games, the cup finals, the league deciders, but when you’re injured, you think about the less glamorous games too.’

FAVOURITE POSITION
‘I’m always of the view that if you’re a good player, you can adjust yourself to different positions. To play centre-back, that’s not strange for me anymore. I played centre-back for the Israel national team against some of the best strikers in the world, players like Robert Lewandowski, for example, and I felt good. It doesn’t matter which position I play and I’ll always give my best. It’s always good to be on the pitch, whether that’s central defence or centre-mid, I’m happy to play wherever I’m required. As long as I get the chance, I’ll always try to do my best for myself, for my family, for the manager, for the fans and for my team-mates.’

HELPING HATEM
‘He’s like my baby now, I’m like his Dad! I’ve been here for six years, and I’m trying to guide him, I’m trying to help him in all different ways. For him, it’s good to have someone familiar here. He’ll want to work hard, show his qualities and he’s managed to do that well up to this point. Hatem is a great player, and he’s showed that in the games he’s played so far. He’s got plenty of ability and I’m sure he’ll keep that up between as the season progresses.’

ON THE GAFFER
‘Perhaps he’s more relaxed this time around. The gaffer is the gaffer. What you see is what you get. He’s a big character. He’s someone that you would die for, and is someone that you’d always give 100 per cent for. He’s an honest man, and that’s one of the most important things for any football player. You just want the gaffer to be honest with you, and I really appreciate that about him.’

Exclusive Nir Bitton interview in the official match programme