Rodgers insists he is focused on Dedryck staying at Parkhead

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Rodgers added: “When you are trying to redeem yourself sometimes it takes a bit of time.

“Naturally supporters, the real passionate supporters, look for that commitment in the player, it is not always about ability. The reaction of three quarters of the stadium plus his team-mates, you see we are all together.

“It wouldn’t have been easy for him. I think he did all his talking on the pitch. I thought he was top-class.”

Rodgers described Boyata as a “£10million/£15million-rated World Cup centre-half ” and is planning on him still being a Celtic player after the transfer window closes.

However, the Northern Irishman is still on the look-out for another centre-back, with the Hoops linked with Le Havre’s France Under-20 player Harold Moukoudi.

“I’m not thinking anything other than Dedryck being here,” said Rodgers.

“He cruised the game today because he is a top-class player. We are not a squad who can do without that quality.”

Skipper Scott Brown said the whole Celtic team celebrating with Boyata after his goal showed unity.

He said: “We are all together, we are all behind him, he wants to play. He was outstanding today, showed his qualities and got his goal.

“It has been a hard week for him but a fantastic end.

“It’s in the past and will stay in the past.”

Hamilton boss Martin Canning was not too downhearted after a tough 90 minutes.

He said: “We can take positives. You know there will be large spells here when you don’t have the ball. I was pleased with the application and effort but disappointed with the result.”