Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata won’t have much rest this summer but insists he is ready to shine for both club and country over the coming months, as reported by The Daily Record.
What’s the story?
The Belgian international is in on his way to the World Cup in Russia and is in line to feature prominently for Roberto Martinez’s squad given the injury doubts surrounding legend Vincent Kompany.
The defender has played in matches against Portugal, Egypt and Costa Rica recently and could end up being an unlikely starter in the country’s group matches.
The Hoops kick-off their summer qualifiers before the tournament in Russia is even over and as such could even be without the likes of Boyata or Mikael Lustig initially.
However, the 27-year-old insists he will be ready to go for Brendan Rodgers’ side when he returns to Glasgow.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Boyata said:
It will be a long season with the World Cup – and coming straight back for Champions League qualifiers with Celtic – but for me that is no problem. The World Cup and Champions League are the two biggest places you can be as a player – it is a challenge that excites me.
I worked hard to get here – and if I am needed to play then I will play. He (Kompany) has been working very hard to be ready – and he is an important leader for us. We hope he is available but if the coach needs me I am ready to do my job.
Should Celtic be worried that Boyata is involved too heavily for his country over the coming weeks?
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Fantastic learning experience
There have been doubts about Boyata’s ability to play at the highest level for Celtic, with the player making a number of high profile errors in his time in Scotland. Gaining experience in an elite squad like Belgium’s can only be a massive positive for the Hoops, especially if he goes on to feature in a tournament such as the World Cup.
The Hoops should have plenty about them to make it through the early rounds of Champions League qualifying and by the time the step up in competition comes, Boyata should be available and ready to continue his decent progress under Brendan Rodgers, with the exposure to elite competition in Russia only preparing him better.
