Midfielder Nir Bitton has said that he considered leaving Celtic last season.

The Israel international signed a long-term contract at Celtic Park yesterday after an impressive start to the season.

"I will be honest, yes, because every player wants to play," Bitton told reporters. "It's not because I wanted to leave Celtic. In the beginning I didn't play much, even in the first year with Lenny (Neil Lennon).

"I came here when I was 21 years old, it was first time away from home and Israeli football and it was a little bit difficult. The tempo in Scottish football is much higher than the Israeli league. I knew it before I came here but I didn't realise the difference.

"I had a good conversation with [Deila] last year. I didn't realise why I wasn't playing and when you don't know why you don't play, you cannot change the thing you need to improve. After the conversation with the gaffer I tried to change, tried to show him that I deserved to play and I got my chance."

The 24-year-old has scored three goals in European competition and is likely to feature against Molde on Thursday.