‘Hello Bhoys, I’m Back!’ Brendan’s amazing u-turn, Boyata set to play in Lithuania

DEDRYCK BOYATA will re-join the Celtic squad on Monday and will travel with the squad for Thursday night’s game in Lithuania against SK Suduva.

And remarkably it looks like the Belgian defender who went on strike last week, missing the vital Champions League game against AEK Athens, is likely to start in the Europa League tie.

In what has been a remarkable story Boyata left for the World Cup promising to sign a new contract on his return. However after playing in the three group stage wins for Belgium, Boyata found himself the subject of interest from England, Spain, France, Turkey and Italy. Fulham submitted a £9million bid that was rejected and while the West London club were ready to increase their offer Celtic made it clear that they were wasting their time.

The English window closed with Boyata still at Celtic, much to the annoyance of his agent who turned up unannounced at Lennoxtown and demanded a meeting with the Celtic manager. This was arranged for later in the day but he then failed to show up.

Instead he gave two interviews to Belgian media outlets attacking Celtic for ‘broken promises’. Celtic lost to Hearts with Boyata on the sidelines but he was fit to travel to Athens the next day – but refused to go.

Celtic lost the game 2-1 and Rodgers confirmed before and after the disappointing result that the Belgium player was fit. Boyata had posted a late night message on Instagram trying to prove he was injured but the response wasn’t one of sympathy but of outrage and disgust from the Celtic support who labelled him a traitor.

Celtic legends such as Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Bertie Auld and Stan Petrov all weighed in to condemn the player while one poster on the Celtic forum Kerrydale Street was congratulated for being the one and only supporter to have written anything at all in defence of Boyata this week.

Now after a clear the air meeting with Rodgers and his agent, it looks like Boyata is ready to play next week.

Jack Hendry looked unassured today against Championship side Partick Thistle. Celtic have crucial games against SK Suduva before the month is out and it looks like Boyata is going to be drafted in – certainly for the away game.

How the support would react to him in a home match is unclear to say the least.

What also is unclear at this stage is whether Rodgers intends to use the player for these games only and then sell before the transfer window closes (probably the Spanish window) or if there has been a compete change or heart and the player will now be at Celtic for the season ahead – and maybe beyond!

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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