SUMMER signing Nir Biton has found the move from Israel to Scotland a challenge.

But the midfielder reckons a hop over to Turkey has now made him feel right at home with the Hoops.

The mid-season break to play in the Antalya Cup not only afforded Biton some much-needed game time, it also allowed him to get to know his team-mates.

Now, back in his adopted home, he has set his sights on making much more of an impact in the second half of his debut season.

Biton accepts it remains a tough challenge for a new Bhoy to break into a midfield full of experienced and proven performers such as Scott Brown, Joe Ledley and Charlie Mulgrew.

But, he is up for the fight and is banking on the recent time away with the squad to help him achieve his goal.

Biton said: "The trip to Turkey has helped me to communicate more with the players and to settle into the team, so it was very important for me.

"In the previous month, I didn't get a lot of time on the pitch.

"I needed to try and prove myself as I am still a new boy at the club.

"So, hopefully, I gave the coaches a reason to play me."

Biton admits the switch from Ashdod in Israel to the SPFL has tested him, on and off the pitch.

But, he has never lost faith in his ability, nor had second thoughts about accepting the offer to become a Celt.

"In the beginning, the football in Scotland was totally different to what I was used to back home," he told the Celtic View.

"In European football you have much more time and space than you imagine, while in Scotland you don't have space to get on the ball, and that's very different.

"Now I feel more comfortable, on and off the pitch."