Celtic signing Nir Biton debut delay expected

NEW Celtic signing Nir Biton is unlikely to make his debut against Hearts this weekend due to a delay in his work visa being processed.

Nir Biton's Celtic debut is set to be delayed. Picture: SNS

The under-21 Israeli captain had been expected to make his first appearance for Neil Lennon’s side at Tynecastle this Saturday however his visa application has reporedly been held back.

Biton has been granted a work permit however the processing of his visa is taking longer than expected with the application having to pass through the British Embassy in Turkey.

The 21-year-old is also unlikely to play as Saturday’s match clashes with Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calender.

Yom Kippur is normally observed with a day of fasting and it is common for clubs to rest players should they make a request.

Former Manchester City player Tal Ben-Haim and ex-Bolton midfielder Tamir Cohen have been allowed to miss games for Yom Kippur which ends this Saturday evening.