Celtic are preparing themselves for the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain – and the club’s supporters have expressed their fear over Nir Bitton potentially starting.
The 25-year-old could be in line for a recall to the starting line-up on Tuesday night as the Bhoys welcome French giants PSG.
He was a substitute on Friday night’s win over Hamilton and is a midfielder by trade, but has been used as an emergency centre-back this season due to a lack of defensive options.
Brendan Rodgers’ side begin their Champions League group with a daunting home clash against PSG, while Bayern Munich face Anderlecht in the other group match.
They will be looking to control the trio of Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who have started the season in great form.
Bitton played at centre-back in the Champions League qualifiers against Astana and is available for selection against PSG.
Celtic fans have urged Rodgers not to use the make-shift defender at the back on Tuesday night and feel he is not strong enough to compete on the European stage.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Dear Brendan Rodgers. Please don't have Nir Bitton anywhere near that football pitch tomorrow night.
Kind regards, every Celtic supporter.— Higgy (@sean_higgyyy) September 11, 2017
We didn't sign Denayer, now it really matters because Bitton is a very poor defender who will get exposed in Europe.
— Reece (@_RH67) September 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/liamroberts92/status/907508930842124289
https://twitter.com/LouisGemmell1/status/907516428890374144
https://twitter.com/ConorCheyne/status/907326658646069248
#WithoutFear? I'm full ae fear until a know Bitton isnae playing centre hauf
— Michael (@__MC7__) September 12, 2017
Gonna be some laugh if Bitton plays at centre half tomorrow night
— Callum??????? (@East_of_Mombasa) September 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/davidmc31362647/status/907352274690875394
Rodgers has struggled to pick a settled back-line so far this season and has been unfortunate with injuries.
Senior defenders Erik Sviatchenko and Derrick Boyata are both currently sidelined with injury, which has highlighted a lack of depth in the Bhoys squad.
Bitton is one alternative to play at centre-back against PSG, but fans feel he is not disinclined enough in that position and is far better in midfield.
The Israel international was a part of a defence that shipped four goals in their last European outing against Astana and that may be playing on the minds of fans.