CELTIC captain Scott Brown says that talks between himself, Brendan Rodgers and Dedryck Boyata this week at Lennoxtown helped to clear the air and pave the way for the Belgian defender’s return to the team.
The 27-year-old hadn’t featured for Celtic since his return from World Cup duty with his country, with his manager disputing his claims of being injured after the club had booted out a bid from Fulham to take him to the English Premier League.
But Brown says that is all in the past now as they face up to a crucial week, with the Europa League play-off second leg against FK Suduva to come on Thursday night before the champions take on Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday.
“What’s said at Celtic Park and Lennoxtown stays at Celtic Park and Lennoxtown,” said Brown. “But it cleared the air. Of course it did.
“We are just looking forward to Thursday now. we push on and we want to get into the Europa League.
“Then we’ve got a big game on Sunday before the international break. So, they are two big games for us and we need two victories to put a smile on everybody’s face.”
Brown claimed that he didn’t notice the banner unfurled by supporters prior to the match stating that Boyata wasn’t fit to wear the jersey, instead preferring to focus on the unity within the squad.
“I didn’t see it,” he said. “We are all together and that’s the main thing for us.
“It’s been a hard week for him but it’s fantastic at the end of it. He’s scored the goal and got us the three points we deserved. I’m pleased for him - it shows his character.”
Hamilton captain Darian MacKinnon hoped to take advantage of the discontent from the stands as his side tried to frustrate Celtic and their supporters.
“It was a mad experience out there, with the banner and were fans booing and cheering Boyata,” said MacKinnon.
“Listen, nobody knows what was really going on. Boyata’s a professional player, you don’t know if he’s been injured. That’s down to Celtic’s business, obviously.
“But, you saw today what a top player he is, and it was just unfortunate for us this was his first game back.
“We gave it everything and we just came up short. We did well, our shape was good. The only disappointing thing was losing a goal from a set piece. If they’re going to beat you then you want it to be a wonder goal.
“That’s the only complaint we could’ve had on the day.”
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