DEDRYCK BOYATA has learned the importance of direct and dangerous wing play from the likes of David Silva and Samir Nasri – and sees Gary Mackay-Steven as a crucial weapon for Celtic ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

The Belgian defender played beside a host of special talents during his time at Manchester City and believes any successful team must have unique individuals capable of changing matches on their own.

Mackay-Steven lit up Boyata’s debut against Dutch outfit Den Bosch earlier this week when scoring one goal and creating the other in a 2-0 win, and is sure that the former Dundee United star will be a key figure when the competitive action gets underway against Icelandic champions Stjarnan on July 15.

“Of course, I know how important these players can be,” said Boyata. “I am not the player who is going to take people on one against one to score the goals.

“Gary is that type. I am a defender and, if we play well, the scoreline will still be 0-0. If Gary plays well, it could be 3-0 or 4-0.

“I haven’t played in a one v one against him, but he looks really sharp. Wingers like that, who are quick, can take people on and can score goals, are a real plus for the game. They are exciting to watch.

“You always need the special players that can do something that the other players can’t. He is a really good prospect. I didn’t know him before I came here, but I know all about him now.”

Saidy Janko could well be handed his debut against Dukla Prague at St Mirren Park this afternoon after signing a four-year deal in midweek.

Boyata has watched him play for Manchester United’s reserve side and regards the 19-year-old Swiss youth internationalist as the perfect fit for a side that manager Ronny Deila is determined to build into a unit capable of launching attacks from all areas of the park.

“I didn’t play against him, but I have seen him play against City in the reserves,” said Boyata. “He is a very good player, a forward-thinking player.

“He is a full-back, but he likes to get forward and to attack and put a lot of crosses in. It is a really good club who look to develop players. For Celtic, their first goal is to make the player better and that is why we are here.”

Boyata is still settling into Glasgow as he hunts for an apartment, but his new colleagues have rolled out the welcome mat over the past few weeks.

“I don’t go out a lot,” said the 24-year-old. “I have been in the hotel mainly and I am trying to find myself a flat.

“I have also had some really kind team-mates who have invited me for dinner or to stay with them in their houses. They are looking after me.”

Boyata realises there is intense speculation surrounding the future of fellow centre-back Virgil van Dijk, but hopes something can be worked out for him to stay at the club.

He said: “I cannot say what will happen, but I found it good with him against Den Bosch and I hope that continues.”