Report: Recalled Tottenham hero Vertonghen to replace under fire Celtic ace Boyata

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Tottenham defender will return to action for Belgium at expense of Celtic star.

Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata got his big chance for Belgium at the weekend, selected to start an international game against Mexico.

It did not end well, with Boyata’s Belgium conceding three goals as their usual defensive strength evaporated.

Belgian outlet Sport report Boyata will be dropped for Tuesday’s friendly match with Japan, and Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen will take his place.

Vertonghen missed the Mexico game through injury, picking up a knock in training 24 hours before, but he is available for selection this weekend.

Belgium need him back, with Vincent Kompany and Toby Alderweireld unavailable due to injury.

While just a friendly, there was a backlash in the Belgian media against the Red Devils’ poor defending, and manager Roberto Martinez will want to change his personnel.

Christian Kabasele will also start in defence, with Laurent Ciman joining Boyata in sitting out.

Vertonghen has a big game at the weekend he has one eye on too, with Spurs needing him at 100 per cent ahead of the North London derby with Arsenal.

This coupled with his earlier fitness struggle could give Celtic’s Boyata hope of seeing action again if Vertonghen is selected just to play part of the match.