We'll be ready for Motherwell cup final, says Dedryck Boyata

The Hoops came through their semi-final with a 4-2 win over Hibernian at Hampden Park on Saturday while much of the fall-out from Well's 2-0 win over Rangers the following day was on the physical nature of the tie.

In bruising 90 minutes Gers defender Fabio Cardoso broke his nose in a challenge with Fir Park striker Ryan Bowman, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers claiming the officials in the match lacked "authority."

Ahead of the trip to Aberdeen in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Wednesday night, Boyata was relaxed about the showpiece game at on November 26.

The Belgium international said: "As a defender you can expect everything. You can play against a physical team, you can play against players who try to play, quick players.

"It is up to whatever you have in front of you. Of course, it is not going to be easy. It doesn't mean if you play against a physical team or a team who plays football there is a team who is going to be easier.

"But yes, it is going to be physical but that's how it is all the time.

"I think Motherwell did very well. I watched the game and they deserved that result.

"We have managed to get to the final which is a great achievement but now we are on to the next game, a big game on Wednesday, a very important game.

"So we focus on that game. The final is very important but it is not here yet."

The treble winners are in the midst of a tough fixture period.

After a Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last Wednesday night in Munich was followed by the cup semi-final, Celtic face the Dons who are behind them at the top of the table only on goal difference.

"It is definitely not easy," said Boyata.

"We always work hard to stay at our best and play to win every game.

"Playing against Aberdeen is not easy. It is going to be a tough game.

"But I am sure we will be well prepared to challenge as much as we can.

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