Returning Nir Bitton happy with Celtic century

Nir Bitton celebrated his 100th appearance in a Celtic jersey with a Glasgow derby victory over Partick Thistle on Saturday.

The 24-year-old was delighted be back in the thick of the action for Ronny Deila’s team after he missed three games through injury.

Goals from Leigh Griffiths and Callum McGregor ensured Celtic ended the weekend a point clear of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership standings after the Dons beat Kilmarnock 2-1 at Pittodrie.

Bitton was delighted to reach a landmark with the Parkhead club.

“It’s good to get 100 appearances for a huge club like Celtic and it’s good to celebrate it with a win,” he told Celtic TV.

“It’s always good to get game-time and I try to help the team to win. I had missed the last three games but I’m happy that is behind me.

“Nobody wants to be injured and nobody is happy when they are but this is part of the game and we prepare for these kind of things, but I’m just happy it is behind me.”

Celtic have a game in hand on Aberdeen as well as a one-point advantage and Bitton is eyeing a push as the Hoops enter the home straight in their quest for a fourth in a row.

“We want to get a good run of games right now to keep our confidence up. We have nine games until the end of the season and we want to finish it as strong as we can,” he added.