Belfast Telegraph

Bhoys won’t take glory for granted, believes Boyata

- BY GAVIN McCAFFERTY

CELTIC defender Dedryck Boyata enjoyed Sunday’s Betfred Cup triumph as much as any other trophy.

The Belgian felt the victory over Motherwell was a strong indication that they remain on the right track after an outstandin­g first campaign under Brendan Rodgers, when they won the treble and finished unbeaten in Scottish football.

Rodgers became the first Celtic manager since Jock Stein to win four domestic trophies in succession, and Boyata insists he will never get complacent about collecting silverware.

“Winning a medal is always very important, and we worked hard to be there, so to win the first trophy is great,” the 27-yearold said.

“What we did last season was incredible. It will be very difficult to do it again this season. It’s a tough league and we have a lot of games so to keep going and win every game demands a lot of work and concentrat­ion.

“Winning the first trophy just tells us we are doing well right now so we will keep on going.

“You never get used to that, winning a medal. It’s just something great. We were all happy to win that medal and that cup.”

Boyata and his team-mates didn’t have much time to savour the triumph given they face Motherwell again in the league tonight.

Stephen Robinson’s side are carrying a sense of grievance after the penalty award which led to Celtic’s second goal in their 2-0 win and Boyata expects to face a group of players with extra determinat­ion when they run out at Fir Park.

“I’m putting myself in the position that if you lose against a team and you have to play them again, then you get them back,” he said. “I would think they will be very fired up. Motherwell are a physical team anyway so it will be a very hard match.” Staying focused: Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata

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