Match-winner Boyata praised for response

CELTIC 1 HAMILTON ACCIES 0

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised Dedryck Boyata for coping with the negative reaction from fans to score the only goal of yesterday’s game.

The Belgium defender returned to the side for the Ladbrokes Premiership encounter at Parkhead after his controversial decision not play in the Hoops’ Champions League exit against AEK Athens in Greece – he claimed to be injured while Rodgers disagreed.

The 27-year-old came out before the game to see a banner which said, ‘Boyata – not fit to wear the jersey’ and there was a mixed reception to his early touches.

However, all that bad feeling evaporated in the 63rd minute when he tapped in from close range.

Rodgers said: “Obviously I would have preferred a different reaction but I am not going to criticise the supporters.

“I will give credit to Dedryck and how he coped with it and you saw the (positive) reaction from probably three quarters of the ground.

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

“It wouldn’t have been easy for him. I think he did all his talking on the pitch. I thought he was top-class, everything he had to do he did it with real quality, and of course he gets the winning goal.”

Rodgers described Boyata as a “£10-15million-rated World Cup centrehalf” and is planning on him still being a Celtic player after the transfer window closes at the end of the week.

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

“I am 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.

“But with Jack Hendry and Jozo Simunovic injured, it is a position that we will look at.”

Hamilton boss Martin Canning said: “I was pleased with the application and effort but disappointed with the result.”

Dedryck Boyata: Bagged winner.