DEDRYCK BOYATA insists he is not looking for revenge when Celtic take on Sevco Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final a week on Sunday.
The Belgian international suffered a double setback in last season’s disastrous meeting with the Ibrox side at Hampden.
Boyata hirpled off early to be replaced by Erik Sviatchenko and, of course, the Hoops, following a 2-2 draw after extra-time, contrived to miss three penalty-kicks in the shoot-out to topple out of the trophy.
And that was the last action of the central defender for the campaign.
The classy defender admitted: “We are not going to start thinking of redemption.
“It’s easy to compare to last year due to the fact that we lost the same stage.
“But last season was last season and this is a new season.
“It’s a new game for us and we will gear up for it like we did the previous four games against them and we will prepare well.
“All the players are ready to give 100 per cent, just like we have in the other derby games.
“We know the importance of the game, there is no doubt about that, and we will give everything to make everyone proud of us.”
Boyata has also revealed the feeling he got this season when the Premiership crown was claimed after the 5-0 blitz of Hearts at Tynecastle was also very different to the last campaign.
He added: “Being on the pitch when we won the game to win the title definitely feels different.
“When you’re injured and out the team, even though you played many games beforehand, it’s not the same feeling.
“At the beginning of the season, I had my injury and was outside the squad, but that’s now in the past and I’m not thinking about that.
“I’m focused on playing as many games as I can, playing as well as I can and staying fit.
“It feels very good to be part of the team and to win the title. Everything is in a good way for myself.
“Since January, I have played a lot of games and it feels good, but the season isn’t finished.”
* Dederyck Boyata was talking to the Celtic View, on sale now.
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