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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic FC news round-up: Bitton's cryptic message, Brown's emotional post, Postecoglou SFWA award

Celtic FC news round-up: Bitton's cryptic message, Brown's emotional post, Postecoglou SFWA award

CELTIC'S title party was today delayed as Rangers beat Dundee United to see the league race rumble on into next week.

Ange Postecoglou's side fired four past Hearts in a comeback win yesterday to all but mathematically seal the title, and it'll be officially over if Celtic take a point in either of their last two games.

Here's your Celtic round-up...

Bitton tracked by Israeli clubs 

NIR BITTON is being tracked by a number of Israeli clubs as he appeared to drop a social media hint regarding his future at Celtic.

The midfielder, 30, last night shared posts on Instagram of him and his children at Celtic Park prompting questions over whether he'll move on in the summer.

Bitton captioned one of the images: “It’s been a hell of a journey”.

And now, The Scottish Sun report Bitton is being tracked by a host of clubs in his homeland.

The newspaper claims Bitton is 'pondering' a move back to Israel in the summer with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa interested in his services.

Scott Brown confirms retirement

SCOTT BROWN has penned an emotional social media post confirming his retirement from playing.

Brown, 36, was player-coach at Aberdeen but left Pittodrie following the departure of manager Stephen Glass during February.

Renowned as a tough-tackling midfielder, Brown won 22 domestic honours with Celtic, including nine successive league titles, during 14 successful years before leaving at the end of last season.

Brown, capped 55 times for Scotland, started his playing career at Hibernian before joining Celtic in 2007.

Writing on social media, Brown said: “So after 20 years, almost 800 appearances at club level, 55 caps for my country, 10 league titles, 6 Scottish Cup and 7 League Cup wins, it is with a heavy heart that I hang up my boots.

“I would like to thank every team mate, coach, backroom staff and everyone behind the scenes that I have worked with over the years. You believed in me which gave me the confidence to push myself to accomplish everything I have.

“To every fan who has supported me from the terraces, thank you. I hope that I will be able to say a proper farewell to all those who have supported me through the years."

Ange Postecoglou voted SFWA Manager of the Year

ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S mic’d up training session shortly after his arrival as Celtic manager gave supporters an early idea of what the Greek-Australian. His mantra – ‘we don’t stop’ – was quickly taken to heart by his players and has even been adopted as a catchphrase by fans.

Certainly, the approach appears to be paying off as Celtic close in on reclaiming their Premiership crown at the first time of asking. Given all the upheaval that faced the Glasgow club last summer in the playing squad, the dugout and the boardroom, it is impressive that Postecoglou’s men are within touching distance of the title.

Perhaps it’s no surprise. Postecoglou’s team famously doesn’t stop and the Parkhead manager’s relentless attitude has no doubt spurred his team on over the course of the campaign. But what’s lesser known is that the 56-year-old is rather fond of an early start too.

When Postecoglou - voted as the SFWA's Manager of the Year -  first jetted into Glasgow and was self-isolating in his hotel room, the wheels were already in motion for the upcoming campaign. He was all too aware of the scale of the task facing him and didn’t want to waste a minute when preparing for the challenges the new season would bring.

“You understand there's a massive responsibility as manager of this club and know there's a fairly major rebuild needed,” he said. “I got my head round that pretty early.

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