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Jason Denayer has been toughened up by his year north of the border – and now wants to play more regularly alongside his idol and mentor Vincent Kompany.

Amazingly, despite being at Manchester City for two years, and breaking into the Belgium national team this year, Denayer had not partnered the man who captains both teams.

That partnership was almost written in the stars – two men, both from down-trodden parts of Brussels, one with a Belgian father and Congolese mother, the other with a Congolese father and Belgian mother.

Denayer's new five-year deal , and the intention to make him City's fourth centre back this season – currently behind Kompany, Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala - makes that all-Belgian duet a distinct possibility.

But Denayer has a fruitful loan to Celtic to thank for that. He went to Parkhead as a raw rookie, perhaps needing a harder edge to his cultured footballing nature.

The Scottish Premier League is no proving ground for its English equivalent, but the physicality is just as strong.

“The idea was to give me experience of a more physical game, and of playing in the first team,” said 19-year-old Denayer.

“It didn't come as a shock, because before I went I watched a few Celtic games – I knew it would be physical.

“It was a great season for me. I had never played a professional game before that, and then I arrived at Celtic and was playing every game.

“Everything happened for me last season – playing for the national team, and winning two trophies. It was amazing for me.

“But making my debut was the highlight. I scored a goal and was named man of the match. It is a game I will never forget.”

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He signed his new deal at City with eyes wide open, knowing it will be tough to break through, but backing his own ability.

“I wanted a deal with City from the start, so when the occasion came, I just signed it,” he said.

“At a big club like this, you have to improve with every training session. So if I do well, I may get the chance to play.

“I think I can play some games – that is why I signed the new deal. I have the confidence.

“The manager and staff have encouraged me and said I will get my chance.”

He finally took his place in defence with Kompany in the second half of the 2-2 draw with Roma, in Melbourne last week, before the skipper was subbed and headed straight for the airport to be at the birth of his latest child.

Kompany has been a big figure in Denayer's life since he joined City, the player saying: “He speaks to me a lot and gives me good advice. He is a good guy, like having a big brother. He just told me to do whatever was best for me.

“When I played for the national team he was suspended so we had never played together.”