Going the extra mile works out for bold Boyata

DEFYING belief became the theme of Dedryck Boyata’s season. Reflecting on an incredible unbeaten Treble, he revealed even Celtic’s coaching staff had questioned whether the story of his personal comeback was too good to be true. Hampered by hamstring injuries, Boyata made just a single first-team appearance by the time the campaign reached its halfway point. His prospects appeared bleak.

Some might have meekly accepted their fate, but the Belgian centre-back drew upon every reserve of determination to force his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

Driving to the club’s Lennoxtown training base late at night, he worked in the gym until 1am to ensure he reached peak fitness.

The thing was that Boyata didn’t tell anyone what he was up to. When he then revealed his extracurricular regime to the media — after reclaiming a starting role in January — an amazed backroom team sought confirmation.

‘What happened was that I came into the training ground at 11pm, but only because I live ten minutes away,’ recalled Boyata.

‘I had a late session and I was there until 1am. It’s unbelievable, but it’s true!

‘We played a game at 3pm and I was on the bench and didn’t play, so I came home about 7pm, had food and then went to the training ground.

‘I had to do it because I wasn’t fit enough. And when you don’t play, you need to get your fitness. I had a day off the day after as well, so I took the chance. I just wanted to work hard for the manager.

‘The members of staff didn’t know. They only found out when I had an interview and I told them.

‘At the training ground, there is always a guy there 24 hours a day doing security. It wasn’t the first time, so, even though this was late, he knew I liked to do it.

‘You just come in, ring the bell and he turns the light on for you until you’re finished.

‘Even when I told the story, the backroom staff went and found the security guy to see if I was telling the truth! They write everything down, so there you go.’

The 26-year-old remained a first pick throughout the closing four months of the season. Invincible in the Premiership, he delighted in completing a clean sweep of domestic trophies with Saturday’s dramatic Scottish Cup final success.

Clearly, Boyata’s dedication earned the trust and respect of Rodgers. But he also feels the manager was instrumental in lifting him out of that long spell of inaction.

‘For myself, he was very special,’ said Boyata. ‘I started the season with my injury and mentally it was very hard. You could feel it and even in the way I was playing, you could see I wasn’t right.

‘I had a conversation with him and he actually helped me to bring out the best of my game, and I’ve been improving day after day. He has been unbelievable for me.’

For Boyata, the Hampden victory against Aberdeen also provided a first taste of playing in a major final. Twice with Manchester City and once with Celtic, he had been a spectator on the big day.

‘I was on the bench with Man City in the FA Cup (against Stoke in 2011), so while it was still great for me as a 19-year-old, it was different,’ reflected Boyata.

‘When I joined this great team, we tried to win everything that was possible. The games are always hard, but to be in this position — unbeaten all season — is unbelievable.

‘If someone had spoken to me six months ago then I couldn’t have seen myself in this position. It’s a great win for myself and the team. I’ve worked so hard to be in this position and it’s a great feeling.

‘If people don’t think it’s a big achievement… it’s a lot harder than it looks.

‘People can say it’s easy, but, having been part of it, I can tell them that it’s very, very difficult. It’s a great achievement for every player.’

The next challenge for Celtic is to try to make a greater impact on the Champions League group stage. Boyata (left) would relish that task having been sidelined throughout last year’s involvement. ‘European football is a real target for any player,’ said the defender. ‘Playing in the Champions League is a dream for every young player and I think we’ll keep improving, day after day, game after game. ‘We have all the qualities to get there and challenge any team. We know there are big teams, but we know we can do well.’