By support

5th Jun, 2018 | 2:28pm

Unexpected World Cup call-up could lead to CL redemption for Celtic outcast

COMMENT

To the no doubt shock of some Celtic fans who have watched him play this season, Dedryck Boyata was recently selected for Belgium’s World Cup squad.

The accident-prone centre-back has made the cut for the tournament in Russia, meaning that he will miss the start of the Hoops’ Champions League qualification process.

As a result, the Hoops will be one centre-back down, meaning we could see something even more unexpected – an appearance from Marvin Compper.

Compper has been a forgotten man since joining from Leipzig in January, the 33-year-old making only one appearance in that time for the Bhoys.

But you would have to think that a player with his experience from playing in Italy and Germany would be useful to the qualifying campaign?

After all, the Hoops have often found it hard to qualify for the Champions League proper, and any experienced players that are available are always a boost to have in the squad.

Also, you have to ask yourself – is Compper really any worse than the likes of Jozo Simunovic or Jack Hendry, one of whom is likely to play in the qualifiers? Probably not, judging by the duo’s most recent appearances for the Hoops.

Sadly for Compper, if he is involved in the early qualifying rounds it will likely be as an unused sub, and he’ll more than likely be out of the picture altogether when Boyata returns from Russia.

Perhaps then his time at the Hoops will come to an end, but before then there is the slight chance he could make a very unexpected return to the side.

In other Celtic news, this free agent seems like an ideal addition for the Hoops  

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