Nir Bitton makes unexpected admission about his injury

Nir Bitton played 120 minutes against Scotland despite being deemed unfit by Celtic doctors and now he has made an unexpected admission about his injury.

With a number of players in doubt for the upcoming Glasgow Derby, Celtic fans will be hoping that the name of Nir Bitton is not added to that list as well. The Israel international had to limp off injured inside 10 minutes of the Hoops’ Europa League Play-Off game against FK Sarajevo and was expected to be out for three to four weeks.

Instead, he ended up representing his national team against Scotland in the EURO qualifiers. Despite having twisted his ankle badly just a week back, he played the entire 120 minutes and then even scored his penalty kick, only to see his side crash out.

And Bitton’s own description of his injury sounds like he should not have been anywhere near the pitch. But it was definitely the importance of the game that played a huge part in his decision to play. As reported by the Daily Record, he said:

"“I twisted my ankle very badly away in Bosnia and I didn’t believe I could make it. On the way back home on Friday I was on crutches, I was in a wheelchair and I couldn’t even walk on the foot.“But I wasn’t going to rule myself out of the game until I knew that I couldn’t play.“I never give up, I always try to push myself to the limit, but, to be honest, the medical staff did an unbelievable job, they treated me like their child with treatment three times a day.“I played this game only because of them and I understand the frustration of Celtic. I was glad I made it, but it is a bit frustrating now.”More from Celtic FC NewsCeltic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord gameCeltic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare RangersBrendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic playerBBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero KyogoKyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters"

What’s very surprising is the fact that he did not even speak to Neil Lennon leading up to the game:

"“I didn’t speak to him. It was between the national team and Celtic. But for my side, I always told Celtic that I was going to give it a chance and obviously if I didn’t feel good I wouldn’t play.“But on Tuesday, I felt okay at training, on Wednesday I felt better and on Thursday morning I told the gaffer that I wanted to play.“With all the adrenaline around the game and around the occasion you don’t feel anything. I feel it now, though.”"

Now there is just the small question of him being fit in time to feature against the Rangers. With James Forrest already confirmed to be out, and both Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard in doubt, the Hoops cannot afford to be another man down.

Already in his eighth season at Celtic, he will know the importance of this game. And hopefully he will show the same dedication that he did for his national side, to get fit in time.