BELGIUM manager Marc Wilmots today told Dedryck Boyata that performing well in the Champions League can push him back into his squad ... just like Jason Denayer.

The Hoops face dangerous Azerbaijani champions Qarabag tomorrow in the first leg of their third-round qualifier.

Former Manchester City stopper Boyata will be a key player for the Hoops this season.

The 24-year-old has just one international cap and that was back in 2010 when he was hailed as a wonderkid.

Wilmots showed faith in on-loan Celt Denayer last season and included him in his squad as a replacement for the suspended Vincent Kompany.

And the Belgian manager, speaking after the World Cup draw in St Petersburg, reckons Boyata can force his way back in and get a recall if he proves as good for Celtic as Denayer was.

Wilmots said: "It was a very good idea for Dedryck to go to Celtic because he clearly wasn't going to get much game time at Manchester City.

"He needs to play more matches and he will get that at Celtic.

"He's a very good player. He's tall, fast and technically a good defender. He is still only young, even though we have known about him for years.

"But the problem was that he never got a chance to show what he could do in England, but now he has an opportunity at Celtic.

"He could play in the Champions League with Celtic, which would be invaluable for him.

"I picked Jason Denayer when he was in the Scottish league with Celtic, so there is nothing to stop Dedryck getting into my squad either if he performs well.

"The Scottish game is a good test for defenders because it is very physical. It toughens players up.

"So my advice to Dedryck is to keep playing well for Celtic and we will see what happens."

And Wilmots, whose Belgium side are now at No.3 in the Fifa world rankings, believes Celtic have also snapped up a bargain by signing countryman Logan Bailey as a keeper.

He said: "Logan was a very good keeper in Belgian football. He's very commanding in the air and comes and collects crosses.

"He's strong and he will need to be there. He will be a good signing for Celtic."