BRENDAN Rodgers last night claimed Nir Bitton has become the best centre half in Scotland outside of Celtic ahead of his side's Champions League group match against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
Bitton, the Israel internationalist who has been unable to get a game in central midfield for the Glasgow club, played in defence again yesterday and helped the Scottish champions keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Ross County in Dingwall.
With Jozo Simunovic not having featured since the 3-0 win over Anderlecht in Belgium back at the end of September, the 26-year-old looks certain to start in the Group B match in France on Wednesday evening.
It will be a tall order for him to play out of his natural position in the middle of the park against Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar – the most expensive strikeforce in the history of football - but Rodgers has complete faith in him being able to perform there.
“This guy gets slated for not being a centre-half, but I haven’t seen one better outside of Celtic,” he said. “He’s heading it, he’s defending it aggressively and then he goes and he can play. It was a great tribute to him. I thought he was outstanding. A clean sheet was important for us
“I’ve had comfort with Nir, that’s why he continues to play. He’s only going to get better in that position. You saw him against Bayern Munich, he was probably the man of the match, he was absolutely outstanding in that game.
“He’s still learning the role, learning the position and learning that aggressive side to it. But also in a team of dominance, the players behind need to be confident on the ball. You can see how he steps into today and gives that extra dimension.”
Rodgers admitted Leigh Griffiths, who secured victory with a sensational 78th minute free-kick after coming on as a substitute, had increased his chances of being involved against PSG. “Leigh’s a talent,” he said. “He’s obviously been out injured a wee while with his calf. It’s a great way to introduce yourself back into it.”
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