Boyata gets the nod from Belgium

● Celtic defender will have a key role in Russia if Kompany can’t shake off injury

0 Dedryck Boyata, seen here tussling with Portugal’s Jose Fonte in Saturday’s goalless draw in Brussels, says it’s his dream to play for Belgium at the World Cup finals. Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata is heading to the World Cup after being named in Belgium’s squad for this summer’s finals.

“To play in the World Cup is a dream I’ve had since I was a kid,” Boyata was quoted as saying last week, and he’s a step closer to realising that dream after manager Roberto Martinez included the player in his 23-man party.

Boyata, who played 39 games during Celtic’s double treble season just passed, could force his way into the starting XI for Group G games against Panama, Tunisia and England if fitness doubts persist over fellow centre-half Vincent Kompany.

Kompany, the Manchester City captain, was also included in the squad despite picking up a groin injury in the 0-0 friend- ly draw with Portugal on Saturday. The 32-year-old, whose career has been blighted by injuries, walked off the field early in the second half without waiting to be substituted after hurting his groin when overstretching in a challenge.

Martinez said he wants to give the influential Kompany as much time as possible to recover, adding that it could be more than a week before the true extent of the injury becomes clear.

“Vinnie Kompany has been a leader, he has been working extremely hard in the camp for the Red Devils,” Martinez said. “He performed in a fantastic manner while he was on the pitch against Portugal so the fresh performance of Vinnie Kompany and his leadership is essential for us.”

Martinez named Los Angelesfcdefenderlaurentciman as a reserve in case Kompany’s injury proves too serious for him to play in Russia.

According to Fifa rules, Martinez can wait until 17 June, the day before Belgium’s Group G opener against Panama in Sochi, to finalise his squad. “If on the 17th of June Vinnie is not fit, he’s not going to go to the World Cup,” explained the manager.