DEDRYCK BOYATA has thanked Celtic for giving him the opportunity of winning his first Belgian cap in six years against Portugal tomorrow night.
The Hoops defender was recalled by international boss Marc Wilmots to the world’s No.1 ranked team for the friendly against the Portuguese which has been switched from Brussels to Leiria following last week’s bombing atrocities.
Boyata, signed by Ronny Deila for £1million from Manchester City in the summer, could face Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and has a good chance of winning his second cap – his first one came in 2010 against Austria.
He said: “It feels good to be back in the Belgium set-up and I am delighted Marc Wilmots has faith in me.
“This season, I have played so many games at Celtic and I think this playing time has convinced the coach to call me.
“Before, when I was at Manchester City, I didn’t get any games and wasn’t called up.
“I’ve been away from the national team for so long, it feels like I have to prove myself all over again.
“I’d be delighted even to get on the pitch for a few minutes. We will take it very seriously because it is an important preparation for us for Euro 2016.”
