Boyata set to shake off injury to feature in cup battle

By John Reid

March 2, 2019

Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon has revealed that Dedryck Boyata is set to shake off an injury and will play in Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibernian.

Lennon, on the club’s official Twitter account, disclosed that Boyata has ‘reacted well’ to an injury picked up against Hearts and will be available for Easter Road.

Great news for the Hoops

(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

The news is a major boost for the Hoops, as they couldn’t afford many more defensive injuries. Filip Benkovic is still out. Had Boyata been out as well, the first choice defence for most of the season would be missing the cup clash.

Who will partner Boyata?

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Who partners Boyata at Easter Road will be interesting to observe. Kristoffer Ajer didn’t cover himself in glory in the 2-1 win over Hearts. Perhaps there could be a recall for Jozo Simunovic. It’s unlikely either Marvin Compper of Jack Hendry will be involved though.

(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Boyata might not be the most popular of players at Celtic Park. That is down to the fact that his performances can sometimes be erratic. He is also yet to sign a new contract with the club.

However, when he is on his game, he is one of the best defenders in Scotland. In what is sure to be a cracking cup tie, the Hoops will need Boyata at his best to reach the semi-finals.