The Crown were set to take a warrant for former Celtic star Nir Bitton. 

Bitton was due to appear at trial today at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with dangerous driving. 

The 30-year-old allegedly drove at excessive speed on Glasgow’s M80 in April last year.

The midfielder, formerly of Glasgow’s Kelvinbridge, also faces a charge of driving without insurance on the same date.

He was reportedly driving a black Audi SQ7 during the alleged offences.

The Israeli international did not appear in the dock but pleaded not guilty through his lawyer David Kinloch.

He said: “The defence motion is to adjourn and set a notional trial diet. 

“I am not a Celtic fan or a football fan but Mr Bitton does not play for Celtic anymore - he plays in Israel.

“The Crown wanted him here for this trial and were going to take a warrant if he didn’t turn up. 

“He wasn’t in a position to turn up due to professional commitments.

“The Crown have identified dates for Mr Bitton and senior counsel for a notional trial diet and hopefully we can go to trial.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay replied: “He is playing football, he isn’t saving the world, he should be here.

A trial was fixed for November this year.

The sheriff then asked: “Will he be out of Europe by then?”

Mr Kinloch replied: “I have no idea. It’s 22 men chasing a ball in my view.”

Bitton’s attendance at a hearing in October has been excused.