Nir Bitton is looking to play a pivotal role in Celtic’s run in after admitting that he did not feel part of it in the 11-months that he spent out of the team.

The midfielder had extensive knee ligament damage and admitted that he feared at one point that he might not return from the injury.

However, he has been back on the pitch and is not determined to make a contribution as Celtic push for a treble treble.

The Israeli internationalist admitted that he felt out of it as Celtic paraded their last treble on the open top bus and was reluctant to join in this season’s League Cup win.

“You are happy seeing the boys winning trophies but while you celebrate, you are not really part of it.

“You want to be involved in the dressing room, you can’t affect things and that’s the most frustrating thing,” he said.

“When you are at a club like Celtic you want be involved in winning trophies. There are two left and we want to win them both.

“We’ll do our best to achieve it.

“You just miss all the games. You want to take part in them all.”

Neil Lennon has succeeded Brendan Rodgers with Bitton requiring no introduction to the man who signed him for Celtic.

“It’s great to have him back,” he said. “He brought me in and believed in me in the beginning. We had an unbelievable two and a half years with Brendan as well. Personally, I don’t mind who I work with. I will always try to do my best for the team whether it’s Neil, Brendan or a different coach.

“Neil is a big character and a big personality. Everyone looks up to him and expects him. It’s just great to have him back.”