Boyata adapting to life at Celtic

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Celtic newcomer Dedryck Boyata has revealed his settling-in period has been made easier because he enjoys the team's style of play.

Boyata got his first taste of action for Celtic in a 2-0 friendly win over Den Bosch on Wednesday as he lined up alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

The former Manchester City player is still adapting to manager Ronny Deila's demands but he showed willingness to carry the ball forward from the back and some strong tackling against the Dutch side.

The Belgium international said: "We have done a lot of work with the team this week on how we should play. I got a lot of info at once but the way we play suits me. I can deal with it so I don't think it's really difficult.

"I like the way we play so that makes it easier.

"It went well the other night but we can always analyse and see how we can do it better.''

Celtic face Dukla Prague at St Mirren Park on Saturday before taking on Real Sociedad in the final friendly before they begin their Champions League qualifying campaign against Icelandic side Stjarnan.

Celtic brought in another defender, Saidy Janko from Manchester United, this week with fellow right-back Adam Matthews discussing a move to Sunderland.

But Boyata is sure they will be up to speed before facing the Icelandic champions on July 15.

"The first thing is to get the fitness back through training and games, and then when we get this back I think we will be ready,'' he said.

"We all have to be ready.''

Meanwhile Celtic have loaned 19-year-old forward Paul McMullan to St Mirren for a season. McMullan spent time on loan at Stenhousemuir last season before helping Celtic win the SFA Youth Cup in May.