Brendan Rodgers has given a non committal update on the future of Filip Benkovic.
At the end of August the Irishman took the defender on loan from Leicester to shore up the Celtic defence with an instant improvement achieved.
BR on Filip Benkovi?: “He’s very imposing. At 6ft 4in, he’s very dominant in both boxes. For 21-years-old, he’s very mature and very good on the ball. He was fantastic for us at Celtic.” pic.twitter.com/IONdjlzSFz
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 10, 2019
Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata quickly formed a strong partnership anchoring Celtic through their best period of the season including three Europa League group stage victories to take the hoops into the knock out phase.
There has however been a flaw in the 21-year-old’s game- injuries.
Since arriving in Glasgow Benkovic has started in 16 out of 29 SPFL matches and made three appearances as a substitute.
After a 20 minute appearance away to Dundee on March 17 he missed the Glasgow derby. Against St Mirren he made another 20 minute substitute appearance, at the weekend he was replaced by Jonny Hayes just past the hour mark.
Of all of the outfield positions central defence is the one where continuity is most required.
Celtic’s most important matches of the season are played during Juy and August as they attempt to reach the group phase of the Champions League, finding someone to play alongside Kris Ajer is the priority with Benkovic almost certainly trying to convince Rodgers that he is ready for the EPL during that period.
