Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has expressed his delight with his Hoops’ team-mate Jason Denayer making his senior national team debut for Belgium.

Van Dijk and Denayer have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the Celtic defence this term which has helped Ronny Deila’s side mount a serious challenge for the domestic treble.




Denayer, whose performances at Celtic had seen him called several times to the Belgium national team, finally made his bow when Marc Wilmots introduced the youngster as a 66th minute substitute during the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Israel in their Euro 2016 qualifier earlier this week.

And Van Dijk is pleased to see his defensive partner earn his first senior cap with his national team.
 


“Jason has learned a lot and is playing well”, the Dutchman was quoted as saying by the Celtic website.

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“He was a new boy here and didn’t know anyone and he was very young so it was very difficult for him, but he has been doing very well and in the last few weeks has been great.

“It was great to see.

“I was very happy for him and for all the other international players in the team.

“It’s also a big compliment to everyone in the team that he got his debut in the team – as it’s a team game.

“I'm really happy for him and I'll tell him that when I see him again tomorrow.”

Having won the Scottish League Cup and reached the semi-finals of the Scottish FA Cup where they are scheduled to play Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the Bhoys remain strong contenders for winning both domestic cups.

Meanwhile, in the Scottish Premiership, Deila’s men sit atop the table, five points clear of their nearest rivals Aberdeen as they prepare to face St Mirren tomorrow. Their lead makes them favourites for their fourth successive league title, and Van Dijk hopes that Denayer continues his form to help Celtic clinch the treble.

“Belgium won and he will enjoy it, but he needs to take that experience back to us and help us keep winning to get the treble.

“It looks as though he is enjoying it right now and we will see if he stays for another season.”

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