BOYATA’S COMMITMENT? ‘I’VE GOT NOTHING TO SAY ON THAT,’ RODGERS

DEDRYCK BOYATA last appeared for Celtic on May 19 when the Hoops beat Motherwell 2-0 to lift the Scottish Cup.

The no-show defender has not kicked a ball in anger since turning out for Belgium in their 1-0 World Cup group game victory over England in Russia on June 28 – ALMOST TWO MONTHS AGO!

And Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he is still uncertain as to the outcome of the 27-year-old’s unsettling situation will be resolved.

He said: “I’m not sure how it’s going to play out. The thing for us is twofold. You can’t let one go unless you’ve got a replacement.

“You can’t give away an international centre-half if there’s not actually one who’s equal or better to come in.

“There will be cries of ‘take the money – it’s the last year of his contract’ which is great, but if you don’t have one to come in, then it’s not a very good strategy.”

THE FINAL PICTURE? Dedryck Boyata with the Scottish Cup at Hampden in May. Pic: Geo.

But Rodgers is equally anxious not to be left with a player who clearly doesn’t want to be at the club beyond the transfer window slamming shut on Friday evening.

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are both interested in the centre-half, according to the Turkish media, and Sevilla have also been linked with the former Manchester City man who was the subject of a failed £9million offer from Fulham earlier in the month.

The Hoops gaffer added: “For any club and any supporter, commitment is everything. For any player, it’s an obligation, not a choice. You’ve got to be committed when you play.”

Asked if he could rely on Boyata’s commitment, Rodgers answered: “I’ve got nothing to say on that. Dedryck made a choice of where he was at and he’s been clear with the club and myself.

“My focus is really on players who are ready and fit to play and to try to get them in the best condition we possibly can.”

The smart money would be on Boyata never playing in the green-and-white hoops again.