A SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS
Boyata could still have Celtic future if he apologises to squad
BRENDAN RODGERS last night opened the door for Dedryck Boyata to return for Celtic’s Europa League play-off against Suduva — providing the defender first apologises to his team-mates.
Boyata is yet to play for Celtic this season after becoming involved in a stand-off with the club over a potential transfer out of Parkhead. Celtic rejected a £9million offer from Fulham prior to the passing of the English transfer deadline and the player’s agent Jacques Lichtenstein subsequently launched a verbal attack on the club’s hierarchy, claiming promises had been broken to his client.
Boyata didn’t travel to Greece for Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens but the Belgian’s claims that he was unfit to play were subsequently dismissed
by Rodgers as the row intensified. Celtic lost the tie 2-1 and Boyata was sent to train with the development side rather than participate in yesterday’s Betfred Cup victory over Partick Thistle.
But with Europe back on the agenda this Thursday and time taken to reflect on all sides, Rodgers admits there is a way back for the player, provided he shows the requisite levels of contrition.
‘I had a long chat with Dedryck the other day,’ said Rodgers after a 3-1 victory at Firhill. ‘We just created a wee bit of distance from what happened last week but we will look at it over the beginning of the week.
‘If Dedryck is still a Celtic player, of course I want to have him involved. He’s been with us for a couple of years and I know he’s a good guy. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes it’s not the way in modern life, but people need a chance to redeem themselves.
‘I would like to have him involved because he’s a top-class player.’
Asked if that would require an apology, Rodgers added: ‘Whatever has been said will be internal but of course before anyone will join the group that will always have to be the case to staff and to players. When he joins the group that will be the case.’
The chances of Boyata (below) earning a move out of Scotland during this window are dwindling. Serie A side Lazio had been strongly linked with the 27-year-old but the Italian window closed on Friday evening, while a firm offer from Spanish club Sevilla has not, as yet, been forthcoming.
Boyata has a year of his contract remaining and, given Celtic’s continued defensive shortcomings, Rodgers would rather keep him on board.
He believes the dressing-room will also accept the refusenik back into the fray. ‘They will because they are an honest group,’ he insisted. ‘This is the joy I have of working with them every day. They are winners, they are always demanding but they are a very honest and humble group. ‘Redemption always takes a wee bit of time. The Celtic supporters are demanding but if Dedryck shows that commitment then they will always be behind you. ‘It was raw last week for everyone, the team, the supporters. I’ve been in this situation before and that worked out okay, so I’m pretty sure this will as well.’ Rodgers confirmed that he was referring to the situation that saw Luis Suarez remain on board at Liverpool for an extra year despite agitating for a transfer to Arsenal. Rodgers’ Anfield experience has informed how he has handled the toughest spell of his two-year tenure at Celtic. He himself has questioned the club’s ability to deliver transfer targets this summer but insists he has coped with mounting pressure.
‘It has been okay, in all fairness,’ he said. ‘If I was a first-time manager, a young manager, it might have been tougher. It is important to stay calm.
‘I have learned through experience that when there is lots of noise, especially at a big club like Celtic, you have to have a filter system to shut it out. Going out was a sore one for us but we have to accept it and it doesn’t stop us having a really exciting season ahead — domestically and with qualification for the Europa League, which is still a very prestigious competition.’
Rodgers added that he expects to have Kieran Tierney available for Thursday’s match, after the defender missed the Partick game with a calf strain. Striker Odsonne Edouard, however, is not expected to be ready before next Sunday’s league match against Hamilton.