NIR BITTON is a man who knows his history.

Yet, the landmark occasion which is almost upon him and the rest of Glasgow is not what is getting the Celtic midfielder excited.

With Rangers providing the opposition for the Hoops for the first time in three years - the city's focus will fall on Hampden this Sunday afternoon for what is the highest-profile game in Scotland for years.

This has, understandably, caused hysteria among fans, especially those around Parkhead as supporters hope their team can live up to their pre-match tag of favourites against Kenny McDowall's SPFL Championship team.

Bitton is one who is also relishing the prospect of this weekend, but his focus is firmly fixed on silverware as he keeps his eye on the prize.

The Israeli said: "I've heard this is a special game, and we've got a few days to prepare for it. We'll do our best to win the game and reach the final.

"It doesn't matter who the opposition is, we want to win the game to reach the final because our aim is to try and win every trophy here in Scotland. We'll do our best to win the game and make our fans proud."

Bitton is a player who has come to the fore at Celtic following a subdued start to his career in Paradise.

The 23-year-old has started 10 of the last 11 games, with the pathway to the first eleven being helped by the injury to Charlie Muglrew.

Nevertheless, Bitton has grasped the opportunity presented to him by manager Ronny Deila, and he is determined not to let it go.

He said: "Like I've said before, the most important thing for any player is confidence and that comes from game time.

"When I play I try to do my best for the team and show the manager that I deserve to play. I've managed to play a few games in the past couple of months, which has been good."

One of the benefits of playing in a midfield berth at Celtic these days is to have Scott Brown standing beside you.

The Hoops and Scotland captain has developed into one of the country's top players in recent years, with him excelling for club and country again this season.

It is a relationship Bitton admits he is enjoying, and he told the Celtic View: "For me, it's great to play alongside Scott because he's full of energy and he's everywhere on the pitch, so it makes the work easier.

"But I also try to make the work easier for him, too, and I hope the partnership will continue to grow."

While Bitton is buoyed by the prospect of developing a bond with Brown, he has had to bid farewell to friend and fellow-countryman Beram Kayal.

The pair forged a strong relationship when Bitton first arrived in Glasgow back in August, 2013, with his pal moving at the weekend to Brighton and Hove Albion on a two-year deal.

Bitton is sad to see his fellow-Israeli leave Parkhead, but he is confident he can go on to impress in the English Championship.

He said: "Beram's a good player. He helped me a lot when I first came to Celtic. He's moved on now to Brighton to take his chance in English football, and I hope he does well and continues from there."