BRILLIANT BOYATA AIMS WORLD CUP SPOT

DEDRYCK BOYATA hopes his excellent display in the 3-0 mauling of Anderlecht in Brussels impressed the watching Belgian international boss Roberto Martinez.

The classy defender’s nation have already qualified for the 2018 World Cup Finals in Russia – and the three-times capped Celt hopes to be included in next year’s squad.

Boyata said: “It’s nice to see the manager travel to watch me.

“I’ll see if he picks me, it was only my second full game this season after my injury.

“I felt good, even if it was a bit harder in the last 15 minutes.”

Boyata has battled back from a knee injury sustained in the July 4 friendly against Slavia Prague to quickly re-establish himself in boss Brendan Rodgers ‘ plans.

The former Manchester City star added: “It’s never easy to come back from an injury.

“I was still a bit worried, because I’m still not 100 per cent fit, but it’s a good feeling to be back.”

The 26-year-old back-four operator is likely to team up again with Jozo Simunovic when Neil Lennon brings his Hibs team to Glasgow for tomorrow’s Premiership game.

The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special