VAN DIJK’S OLD PAL’S ACT

FORMER Celtic centre-half Virgil van Dijk has revealed he is giving defensive advice to Nir Bitton.

The Israeli international midfielder has been switched to a central role in the rearguard due to injuries to Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko.

Van Dijk is the ideal man to pass on tips after seeing his value soaring from £13million to around the £50million mark in only two years.

The classy Dutchman became the Hoops’ most expensive export when he moved to Southampton and he is now on the wish-list of several top teams including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City with the champions ready to rake in at least £5million in sell-on fees.

Van Dijk and Bitton became Parkhead pals during their spell together in Glasgow and have never lost contact.

When Bitton was switched to defence, Van Dijk said: “I told Nir it is not that easy! But he is a good player.

“I speak to him a lot and we are probably going on holiday together, as well. He is a good friend and it is good to see him playing so well.

“Hopefully, he can keep doing what he is doing because he is a top player.”

Van Dijk is poised to face Scotland in the friendly tonight and added: “I have scored some big goals for Celtic up at Pittodrie so it is also good to come back to Aberdeen, especially with the Dutch national team.

“We have a good strong squad here. We know we face a good Scotland team, but we are here to win.”

The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP21) Matchday Special v St Johnstone – When History Was Made…

Kevin Graham recorded the latest episode of The CQN Podcast at McDiarmid Park, as Brendan Rodgers’ side extended their unbeaten domestic run to a record-breaking 63 matches against St Johnstone.

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