DEDRYCK BOYATA put on a show for the Celtic fans as he scored the only goal of the game against Hamilton Accies this afternoon.
The Belgian World Cup defender made his first appearance for the Hoops since the Scottish Cup Final win over Motherwell on May 19 – and netted the winner just after the hour mark.
And delighted boss Brendan Rodgers declared it was an easy decision to bring back the controversial centre-back who didn’t celebrate after his strike.
The player and the club have been at loggerheads this month after claims from his agent the champions had broken promises relating to his client after they had rejected a £9million offer from Fulham.
Boyata, 27, made his comeback today and his appearance was met with a protest banner which read: Boyata – not fit to wear the jersey.
But the central defender went from zero to hero when he got the winner.
Asked about his decision to select Boyata, Rodgers replied: “It was pretty easy because of what he showed today – he cruised the game as he’s a top-class player. We’re not a squad who can do without a player of that quality.
“He made his commitment to the team and he was there for his team-mates today. It was ironic that he got the goal. Everything he did was superb and it was great to have him back in here.
“It’s not been an easy time for us all in relation to that matter. When we came back from the European game, we had a couple of days where we spoke a lot and knew it was a watershed moment.
“We knew had to go one of two ways and the players and staff all came out knowing what direction we wanted to go in. From that, everyone was very focused on having another great season.
“It was great for him to get the goal. He’s an outstanding footballer, for me, and it was good to have him out there with his team-mates.”
