Shaun Maloney’s Belgium appointment could surely help Celtic keep Dedryck Boyata

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Former Celtic attacker Shaun Maloney is reportedly set to become Belgium’s new assistant manager. The 35-year-old is being lined up to replace Thierry Henry in the role, who has taken over the managerial role at Monaco.

The creative midfielder, who spent two spells at Celtic, played under Belgium manager Roberto Martinez during his time at Wigan Athletic and has been praised as a potentially ‘fantastic’ coach by the Spaniard.

So, could this be good news for Celtic?

Celtic have a Belgian international in their ranks. Dedryck Boyata has seen his stock rise in recent times after an exceptional World Cup with the Red Devils. It saw him linked with the likes of Fulham and Lazio this summer which developed into something of a transfer saga. He was valued as high as £12 million, according to the Daily Mail.

Boyata ended up staying at Parkhead and despite some fans not forgiving him for his antics, he is a key player for the Bhoys.

“It’s easy to say so now, but I probably shouldn’t have left Celtic in the first place — it was mostly my own fault.

“For about six months prior to leaving Celtic, I hadn’t dealt with my contract situation very well. It was eating away at me, it wasn’t getting sorted and I didn’t cope with it properly. We couldn’t agree terms and it all came to a head on the last day of January 2007, when Villa came in with their offer.”

– Shaun Maloney on his first Celtic exit

In the long run, it would appear that Boyata sees his future away from Celtic. But with Maloney now in his ear on international duty, Celtic could surely get a stay of execution.

When the former Scotland international left Celtic he went on to admit regretting the decision. Such advice could hopefully keep Boyata in Glasgow until the end of the season at least.

Hopefully, this former Bhoy can help Boyata remain in Paradise.