Edinburgh Journalist Mark Atkinson has been speaking to a publication down in Burnely about Nir Bitton after the player was linked with a £1m January exit.
Nir is about to enter the last six months of his Celtic deal and will be able to talk to clubs come January.
However, if Burnley get a hold of Mark Atkinson’s synopsis of the player, they might change their mind.
The journalist cites the player has only managed 28 appearances in the last three seasons, totally negating the fact Nir was out for a whole year with injury.
He goes on to talk about how he’s no better than what Burnley have right now. So yes, we have an Edinburgh journalist telling us a Celtic player isn’t good enough for a team he likely doesn’t watch on a regular basis.
“He’ll largely be used from the bench in a defensive capacity or as a holding midfielder, he’s played 28 times in the last three seasons, and that gives you an idea of where he stands.” Atkison told the Clitheroe Advertiser.
“I could see why he would fit in to Burnley’s midfield because he does the dirty work. He’s in a similar mould as Beram Kayal, though he’s not as visionary.
“I wouldn’t say he’s much of an upgrade on those guys (Ashley Westwood and Jack Cork) in Burnley’s midfield.
“He’s robust, but I don’t think he would come in as a direct replacement. He’s well regarded at Celtic, he’s been there for a long time, but it’s probably the right time for him to move on.”
Bitton is an international player who has proven to be a great utility man for Neil Lennon. Another injury this term curtailing his chances of making more appearances.
Going from central midfielder to handy centre-back has been an adjustment but the player has coped with it to the point Celtic fans wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he came in at centre-back for any given game.
Celtic have not stated whether a new deal will be on offer to Nir before the end of the season.
