Celtic defender in contention to feature at Euro 2016.
Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has been praised by international coach Marc Wilmots, who has selected him in Belgium’s Euro 2016 preliminary squad.
Wilmots is confident Boyata will be fully fit, with the defender training last week despite missing the last month of action with injury.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblade, Wilmots said he feels Boyata needs to add to his game and make the opposition fear him more.
He said: “He played a good season at Celtic and did not disappoint us. He is technically strong, fast and has a good head and a good pass. Sometimes he is a little too nice, I love advocating boosting the strikers fear.”
Boyata himself said he is thrilled to be called up by his country, but admits to having worried that his recent injury would have spelled the end for his chances.
He said: “That was a goal for me and I have worked hard all season for. This is the reward. When I went out injured, I was afraid, but everything is now running so positive.
“I have a very long season behind with Celtic and played 43 games that I experienced never before and that was very positive for me.”
Boyata signed after being released by Manchester City, having failed to break into their first team as a regular.
He is not likely to be a starter at Euro 2016 but could have a part to play, and to break into a side as competitive as Belgium’s shows that he is rated highly by his coach, and should return back to Celtic full of confidence for next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
