Rodgers explains why Celtic star could make his country’s World Cup squad

Celtic have been the undisputed champions of Scotland since manager Brendan Rodgers arrived.

The Hoops are yet to see domestic defeat under the Northern Irishman, and are clear favorites to defend the local treble they scooped last season.

However, despite the quality of Celtic team, a lot of their starting XI members, excluding the Scottish contingent, are often overlooked by their national teams.

Belgium’s Dedryck Boyata is one, but Rodgers believes the recent form of the centre-back means he has a chance of forcing himself into the World Cup plans of the country’s manager Roberto Martinez.

Boyata recently returned to action for the Bhoys this term following a pre-season injury, and is set to lineup against Belgian side Anderlecht in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter.

Martinez will be watching the game, with a lot of first-team hopefuls on his radar.

The former Manchester City defender has only been capped thrice at senior level for his country, but has a chance to prove himself to the boss first-hand in his home country.

Rodgers claims Martinez has eyes on Boyata, and did reveal after the Old Firm victory on Saturday: “I spoke to Roberto at a testimonial game at Swansea recently and Dedryck is very much in his plans.

“Dedryck’s history coming through with Belgium is very good. He made a move to Manchester City and didn’t play so much there, so that hindered him.

“But he has come out of that now and if he can keep a level of fitness and availability, then there’s no doubt he will be in the World Cup squad.

“Roberto knows how I work in terms of the game model, so there’s a hand-to-glove fit, certainly offensively, with how he likes to work. With Dedryck, it is about playing the games, getting fit, playing consistently.”

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