Celtic

Brendan Rodgers: 'Dedrick Boyata could make Celtic return'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 19 August 2018

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers insists that defender Dedryck Boyata could "absolutely" be back in the team for Thursday's Europa League playoff against Suduva.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Dedryck Boyata could "absolutely" be back in the team for Thursday's Europa League playoff against Suduva.

The Belgium defender was missing as the Hoops were eliminated from the Champions League by AEK Athens last week.

Rodgers criticised Boyata after the game in Greece, stating that the 27-year-old was fit to play despite having claimed that he was injured.

Boyata trained with the Under-20s on Saturday while Celtic beat Partick Thistle in their Scottish League Cup tie, but Rodgers has since offered his player an olive branch.

"I know he's a good guy," the Northern Irishman told BBC Sport. "I had a long chat with Dedryck the other day. We have created a wee bit of distance from what happened last week.

"Everyone makes a mistake. If there is a mistake made - I know sometimes it is not the way in the modern life - but people need a chance to redeem themselves and I would like to have him involved because he is a top-class player."

Boyata, who has made 103 appearances for Celtic, is under contract at Parkhead until 2019.