One of the big mysteries of the transfer window was Celtic failure to bring in a central defender with Filip Benkovic the obvious choice to many fans.
Twice since the turn of the year Neil Lennon has gone with a 3-5-2 formation with the benefits obvious in the performances away to Kilmarnock and St Johnstone. The first half was as good as anything that the team has displayed this season but a change in formation was forced at the interval.
After four months out with a knee problem Jozo Simunovic was substituted at half-time with no like-for-like replacement available, a situation that is likely to be repeated tomorrow at Hamilton.
Neil Lennon praised the former Dinamo Zagreb defender for playing four matches in 11 days but it seems that another outing on the plastic at Hamilton would be a risk too far. With Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed both out injured the Celtic boss will have to resort to a back four with the untried Stephen Welsh the only other available central defender.
2 minutes 30, talks about Celtic
Signing Benkovic would have given Lennon four natural central defenders to cover three positions with the Israeli duo as back up.
All parties seemed to be happy with Benkovic’s loan last season with the player telling the Bristol City website how much he enjoyed his stint in Scotland.
I had a really good season at Celtic and I really enjoyed it back there. It was really helpful because as a young player when you get the opportunity to play at a European level it gives you more experience and confidence and I’m really grateful for that. My experience from last season I will try to improve more this season at City.
Looking at his new club Benkovic added:
Deadline day is always a bit stressful but I tried to stay calm because sometimes you can’t let the facts affect you. But it was a long day, I can say that, but everything was sorted and I’m grateful for the opportunity the club has given me to play here.
I found out about the interest from City a few weeks ago and I was really excited when I heard of the option. Now I’m here I can say I’m really grateful as I say for the opportunity. The club wants to do something big and it has an opportunity to do something big. I can’t wait to work hard every day and at the end of the day it makes sense. We need to push and never give up.
Would Benkovic have strengthened Celtic for the remainder of this season?
Yes, of course, he'd be a natural in the side
No, we are well covered in that area
Middlesbrough and Derby were also linked with Benkovic who completed his move to the Championship in the final hour of the transfer window.
