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Celtic manager Neil Lennon has a lot of big squad decisions to make this summer and figuring out which players need to be moved on will be as important as determining which players he should sign.
It’s a massive transfer window and with plenty of Celtic supporters expecting revolution in terms squad make-up, the reality is it will likely be more of an evolution.
Making too many changes too quickly will miss the point of what is needed at Celtic. This is a successful squad with players with ability well beyond the rest of Scotland. They need a bit of squad depth and a bit of quality in the team, they don’t need Lennon to rip everything up and start again.
One of the players whose Hoops future is unknown is Nir Bitton, who was speaking to the media over the weekend about his desire to play under the manager who signed him.
Keith from C’mon the Hoops throws back to Celtic legend Charlie Mulgrew in the video below…
On the chalkboard
Bitton’s last 18 months at Celtic have been severely hampered by injury, suffering a knee injury that required surgery last year and later admitting he feared it was something that would end his footballing career.
Returning to action in January, he came into the team and quickly looked sharp enough to get regular action, playing the full 90 minutes in massive matches away to Hearts and Hibs immediately after Brendan Rodgers departed as manager.
Subsequent action was limited but Lennon did include him in his team on trophy day, perhaps hinting he intends to use him heading into the summer and next season.
What can his role be next season?
It’s unlikely that the 21-cap Israeli international is ever going to be a first pick in the Celtic starting eleven. The days of him being an emerging prospect worth investing playing time in are long gone.
That’s not to say he isn’t worth having around at the Hoops though, even if he does just have a year left on his contract.
Calm in possession and defensively sound, he’s an excellent alternative midfield option to have, especially in Europe, when the majority of Celtic’s midfield show attacking ambition and flair over the less glamorous stuff.
He can also play a relief role against lesser teams in league and cup action, giving players like Callum McGregor some much needed rest in a potential 60+ game season.
As far as midfield depth goes Lennon could do a lot worse and keeping him around would prevent the need to invest in another central midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.
The 27-year-old has proven he can bounce back from injury and has the desire to feature for Celtic. Now entering his peak years, the club should welcome his return to the fold.