Dedryck Boyata has heaped praise on Celtic and credits his time in Glasgow for getting his international career back on track.

The Belgian defender's development had somewhat stalled during his time at Manchester City.

But when Brendan Rodgers swooped to bring him to Parkhead in 2016, the game time he went on to earn as a first-team regular at the Hoops was massive for his future.

Currently playing for the Red Devils - ranked number one international side in world football - Boyata believes he may well not have been doing so had he not spent time at Celtic.

"I was coming through at Manchester City, where the competition was intense," he revealed. "And the decision to go to Celtic, where I played many more matches, really helped me.

"And now I am not saying I should play, because things are always fluid. But since Roberto Martinez started picking me again, he has given me so much confidence. A very big moment for me was the 2018 World Cup. It had been a difficult season with the injury from January to April.

"But I worked very hard to get in to that squad, and was given the chance after injuries to Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen to play in the early matches, and did okay.

"My preferred position is in the middle of the three at the back, but I have played on the left and we try different positions in training.

"Every player has their own way of dealing with matches. But the confidence that the coach has given to me is playing a big part in my performances for Belgium.

"At 30 now I have matches behind me, and experience of major tournaments. I know how to deal with the pressure.

"My role against Russia was to take care of Dzyuba. We knew Russia would look to him for his power, and I was able to do what was needed to stop him."