There once was a time, not too long ago, that a footballer regularly playing for Celtic or a Premier League club would walk straight into the Belgium team without too much of a problem.
But the country’s golden generation has changed everything, and it means that players such as Dedryck Boyata will be relieved just to make the squad for the World Cup in Russia.
Boyata has a good chance, he’s in the current Belgium squad and that’s a pretty good sign for the Celtic player. Brendan Rodgers showing faith in Boyata has helped the 27 year old have any chance at all, and he’s determined to take it.
Quoted by DH in Belgium, the defender explained: “I will give the best of myself in the coming days. I’m happy to be selected just months from the World Cup.
“It will be a very important meeting, during which the team will be able to refine certain things and I hope to be able to benefit from playing time.
“I spoke a lot with the coach about this meeting, he highlighted some positive points and some things to improve, I hope to be in the list of 23 for Russia, but the final decision obviously goes to the coach.”
Boyata missed Euro 2016 due to a hamstring injury, and the Celtic player clearly took some time to get over it, telling DH: “It was a very hard moment in my career that I prefer not to think about anymore. I try to turn this disappointment into something positive, which motivates me to work harder to reach my goal, to go to the World Cup, it would be a dream.”
Celtic can only benefit from Boyata chasing his dream between now and the end of the season.
