Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his pride at seeing Dedryck Boyata impress at this summer's World Cup.

Boyata is one of four Celtic players at the finals, with the Belgium defender joined by Sweden's Mikael Lustig, Australia's Tom Rogic and Costa Rica's Cristian Gamboa.

Rodgers said the trip would be invaluable all four but singled out Boyata for particular praise.

"I've been delighted for all four guys that have been at the World Cup," he told STV. "They gain an incredible experience and it might only be a once in a lifetime experience.

With Mika and Dedryck going through to the next stage, it's brilliant for them.

"I was really proud watching Dedryck last night. He looked a top class operator."

Belgium have progressed to play Japan in the last 16 after topping their group and Rodgers said that Boyata's performance in the 1-0 win against England showed the world how good a player he is.

"He's playing in a highly gifted team but he's played three games now, three 90 minutes and the team have had three wins," he said.

"I thought last night up against Jamie Vary and Marcus Rashford, who are outstanding players individually and as a pair, he coped with it very, very well.

"He showed all the qualities that I believe he has in terms of pace and power and strength. He's good in the air and he showed last night that his passing is very good as well."