Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has played 13 times for the club already and he has recently been called up to the Belgium squad.
Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has told the Daily Record that he came to Parkhead to play more games, after playing a backseat role at Manchester City.
The Belgian centre-back was regularly overlooked during his time with City, and only played 12 times for the club in the past two seasons.
Since joining Celtic, he has already made 13 appearances and he is hoping that regular first-team action could earn him a chance to become a permanent selection for his country.
“For me coming here, it was about getting a lot of games. I’ve maybe played more here already than I have in the last three years,” he said.
“Now I’ve got a chance to be in the Belgian squad, which is a plus for me. Now that I’m in the Belgian team my goal will be to stay there. To do that I will need to play well.”
Last season Jason Denayer was called up to the Belgium squad after showing his talent at Parkhead, so Boyata can take hope from that.
The centre-back will need to raise his levels, though, if he is to become a permanent fixture for the Bhoys and his nation.
Boyata has shown signs of vulnerability over his first few games for Ronny Deila’s side, but that may not be too much of a surprise given his lack of match-sharpness.
The 24-year-old’s next chance to impress for the Bhoys comes on Thursday night, when they take on Fenerbahce in Europa League action.
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