DEDRYCK Boyata is set to stay at Celtic for the rest of the season even if it means the Belgian is likely to leave for nothing in the summer.

The 28-year-old central defender has given no indication that he will agree a new deal with the Scottish champions who could if they wanted to cash in on the player before the January transfer window closes.

Boyata is inconsistent and endured a terrible game at Ibrox last month but maintains the confidence of Brendan Rodgers.

The Celtic manager revealed that nothing had changed in terms of the Belgium international’s long and short-term future.

Rodgers said: “Dedryck will just stay calm and see out the season and then see where he’s at. There will be interest in him of course but nothing concrete at the moment.

“Would it suit us if he stays? Yes. It’s something we would want of course. He’s a very, very good player. He’s entitled, he’s within his rights in the last year of his contract and he’s at an age where he can wait and see whether it’s a new contract at Celtic or a move it’s a big next contract for him.”

Rodgers revealed the influence Kolo Toure, who has been on the Celtic coaching staff for the past 18 months, has on the younger player.

The vastly experienced Toure is a father figure particularly to the likes of new signing Vakoun Bayo who naturally look up to a fellow African.

Rodgers said: “Kolo is great with players like that. They can relate to him as a top athlete with a fantastic career. He is one who can connect with those guys and speak openly about the whole experience.

“Bayo is a young striker with talent. But of course at that age he is one who fits the model of Celtic, which is about young players, bringing them in, developing them and maximising their potential.

"But he has been playing first team football. He is a good size, a good athlete, Kolo has worked with him as well with the Ivory Coast national team and there is a connection there as well. He is one who will be very hungry to do well.”