Brendan Rodgers said there is a way back for Dedryck Boyata at Celtic and revealed that the defender could play in the Europa League play-off clash with Suduva.

The Belgian did not travel with the squad as the Hoops crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers to AEK Athens in Greece on Tuesday night claiming he was injured, while the Rodgers insisted he was fit to play.

The Scottish champions defeated Partick Thistle 3-1 in their League Cup last-16 clash whilst Boyata was sent to train with the club's under-20s on Saturday.

After the victory, the Celtic boss claimed Boyata would "absolutely" have a chance of playing in the first leg in Lithuania on Thursday night.

The Northern Irishman said: "I had a long chat with Dedryck the other day.

"We have created a wee bit of distance from what happened last week.

"We will look at that over the weekend but Dedryck is still a Celtic player and I want to have him involved.

"He has been with us a couple of years. I know he is a good guy.

"Everyone makes a mistake but if there is a mistake made, I know sometimes it is not the way in the modern life, but people need a chance to redeem themselves and I would like to have him involved because he is a top-class player."

Asked if Boyata had apologised, Rodgers said: "Whatever has been said is obviously internal but of course, before anyone will join the group that will always have to be the case, to staff and to players.

"When he joins the group that will be the case."

Rodgers also believes Celtic fans will also accept Boyata back into the fold.

"Redemption always takes a wee bit of time," he said.

"The Celtic supporters are demanding supporters but they also accept as well and if Dedryck puts on the shirt again, and I know he will be as committed as ever, and if you show that commitment, the Celtic support will always be behind you."

Leigh Griffiths' goal after 17 minutes gave Celtic the lead but Jags attacker Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo levelled in the 72nd minute.

However, two goals in quick succession from substitute Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic gave Celtic the victory.

Rodgers said: " We made lots of changes but we were too passive. But the objective was to get through to the quarter-finals.

"I have always been about the performance as well as the result and our pressing and intensity wasn't at a good enough level today."

Rodgers also revealed French striker Odsonne Edouard is a doubt for the trip to Lithuania with a knock while left-back Kieran Tierney will be back after missing the Jags game with a calf problem.

Thistle boss Alan Archibald said: "We probably gave them a wee fright.

"I was delighted to get the goal and for 70 minutes we matched them in terms of their combination play but the second goal, which was two give-and go situations, we don't deal with it and we have to do better."