FORMER Celtic skipper Paul Lambert insists Dedryck Boyata let down his team-mates, the fans and himself by not playing against AEK Athens.
Manager Brendan Rodgers said the Belgian was fit to play in last night’s 2-1 second leg that saw the Hoops exit the Champions League on a 3-2 aggregate.
Boyata remained at home and declared he was “not yet 100 per cent operational”.
Lambert said: “If he’s fit, he has let himself down. I think he’s made his bed.”
Asked if the player’s non-appearance in the Greek capital had an effect on the performance, the ex-Scotland international midfielder, said: “It didn’t help them.
“Maybe the stronger ones in the team will go back and say: ‘Okay, if you don’t want to play with us, don’t. Don’t try to come back in’.
“I don’t know how he can win the Celtic supporters round. I don’t think they will be too forgiving.”
Lambert reckoned his old club have paid the price of not being active enough in the transfer market.
He added: “Looking at Celtic at the minute, I’m not sure they’ve got a big enough squad to go and compete on all fronts.
“I don’t think Brendan said anything derogatory to the board. I think he’s just stating what every manager wants to do, strengthen their team.
“And I don’t think Brendan is the kind of guy who would walk away – he is not that type.”
