Softly, softly ... but there's a hard centre in Celtic defender Jason Denayer

But when the discussion turns to where his future lies, any questioner has to move closer as the volume drops even more - in tandem with his gaze.

All that is known for sure is his loan period with Celtic is due to conclude at the end of the season, and he hopes to sign off by helping the Hoops win the William Hill Scottish Cup final on May 31 to complete a Treble.

The following day, the 19-year-old central defender will revert to being a Manchester City player, and will face the challenge of jousting for a place with the likes of Vincent Kompany.

The City skipper is currently taking the chance to check on the progress of his young countryman as they are reunited as part of the Belgium squad for the Euro qualifiers against Cyprus on Saturday and Group B leaders Israel - Nir Bitton included - next Tuesday.

But if Kompany can get any information out of Denayer regarding where the rising star expects to be playing next season, he will be more successful than the multitude of interested parties in this part of the world who have tried, but so far failed, to elicit a definitive answer.

Ronny Deila has made it abundantly clear he believes it would be better for Denayer's development if he committed to another season, or even six months, with Celtic.

That would give him more opportunity to play regularly, the benefit of having done so this season clear for all to see.

Those who have noted his progress include Belgium national team boss, Marc Wilmots, who has decided Denayer can be part of the programme to rebuild the squad after they failed to live up to expectations at last summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Deila's best hope may be that the teenager can see a direct correlation between what doors Fraser Forster managed to open by agreeing to a second loan season at Celtic - exposing him to big European nights - and how his own recognition levels have risen on the back of playing in Paradise.

But, for now, the game Denayer is playing best is one designed around waiting.

When it comes to his next career move, he is displaying the same old head on young shoulders which have made him such an accomplished player in the Hoops.

He certainly cannot complain about not getting enough opportunities to hone his skills, with Celtic having played 50 games already this season, and hoping to have another dozen to go.

Of those, Denayer has appeared in 33 as he has grown an impressive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

He has even added goals to his game - two of his half dozen in the last two games against Dundee United - and the best of which came was a cool back-heel to put the Hoops 3-0 up in Saturday's Premiership match.

That was something else to tell his Belgian team-mates when the squad met up earlier this week.

Denayer admits it is a good time to enjoy a change of scenery and competition, while the chance to rest up would have been appreciated.

But any fatigue was removed with news of his selection, and he reasons there will be time enough for putting his feet up when the campaign is over.

Denayer said: "I would be honoured to play for my national team, and I will get a rest at the end of the season. With Celtic, we have had a heavy schedule, but you just have to deal with it.

"Of course, it is easier to cope when you are winning games and cups. Mentally and physically, you always feel better and ready for the next game."

For Celtic, that will arrive at New St Mirren Park a week on Friday.

But Denayer will not get back to Lennoxtown to prepare until the day before due to the fact Belgium's game against Bitton's Israel in Jerusalem's Itztstadion Teddy does not take place until next Tuesday night.

The youngster acknowledges the schedule could be better, but trusts his youthful exuberance will help him through.

"It is going to be hard, because there is so little time between the games," he said. "But I need to keep myself in a good condition and come back here to show the best physical ability."

A win in Paisley would propel Celtic eight points clear in the title race before nearest challengers, Aberdeen, play their match against Partick Thistle the following day.

Deila reckons such a lead with only nine games remaining would make it very hard for the Dons to close the gap.

But the manager insists no-one can consider it job done, and Denayer is happy to follow his lead.

"We have to work until the title is definitely in our hands," he said. "Until we are champions, we will not consider it is ours and we will just try to win every game."

Denayer already has the first winner's medal of his senior career, courtesy of the League Cup final win over Dundee United 10 days ago.

And the Hoops are just two victories away from adding the Scottish Cup.

But if that was all they won this season, he would be gutted - because the title remains the big one.

"That's always been the priority for us," Denayer explained. "But we really want the Treble.

"So, if we won the Premiership title to add to the League Cup, but not the Scottish Cup, again we will be very disappointed."