RODGERS EXPLAINS BOYATA’S ‘DIFFICULT’ SITUATION

CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers admits Dedryck Boyata’s situation is “difficult”.

The Belgian international centre-half’s agent has criticised the Hoops in recent dealings with his client who is out of contract next summer.

The champions have already rejected a £9million offer from Fulham for the player while Lazio and Sevilla have also been linked with the defender.

Jacques Lichtenstein, the player’s agent, claimed in the media: “Dedryck is disappointed because he was made promises that have not been kept.”

Boyata hasn’t played for the club since returning from Russia and has been out with a back injury.

He missed the 1-0 defeat against Hearts today and Rodgers said: “My concentration is on the players who are going to play and are fit to play.

“There are a couple of issues medically with him and, of course, at this stage it is difficult for players, I respect that. But he is not disruptive.”

The Hoops gaffer added: “I haven’t had dealings with Dedryck’s agent, it has all been through the club.

“The club have been in negotiation with Dedryck’s agent from last year.

“It is clear we want to keep him, but probably right for him he wanted to wait until after the World Cup to see how it went.

“There have been one or two offers for him, but if we lose a centre-half of that quality at this vital stage, we have to replace him.”