Celtic, the reigning champions of Scotland, suffered a setback a month ago when they were humbled by Old Firm rivals Rangers at Celtic Park. The Gers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard is alarming, and the Hoops reacted sharply in winter having roped in Patryk Klimala and Ismaila Soro to bolster the set-up.
They, however, are aiming further reinforcements before the window is slammed shut and according to the Leicestershire Live, might bring Filip Benkovic back at Parkhead on yet another loan stint from Leicester City. The Croatian was key to Celtic’s 2018-19 treble-winning campaign but found himself way down the pecking order at King Power under Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers, surprisingly, deployed Benkovic in the deep defensive line while in charge of the Bhoys. However, the emergence of Çağlar Söyüncü following Harry Maguire’s exit made him the fourth-choice behind the Turkey international, former Man United man Jonny Evans and club skipper Wes Morgan. The player, therefore, is seeking minutes and the Northern Irishman, too, is expecting the same as revealed on Saturday evening in the aftermath of their FA Cup victory against Brentford.
“We’re hopeful that will be sooner rather than later, over the next few days if we can bring in a centre half then that will give him a chance to get out. He definitely needs the games and we’re hoping that will take place.”
Why The Hoops Stand A Chance More Than The Other Suitors
Although there’s concrete interest from Derby County and Bristol City, his experience in Glasgow would help him settle in the heart of their backline. Injuries led to instability as well as unsteadiness in deep defence, and the arrival of Benkovic should fix it by avoiding further damage.
Neil Lennon was tight-lipped when asked about the rumour, but did not rule out a move which fuelled up the speculations (as cited by The Scotsman).
“I don’t know is the answer. I only worked with Filip for a short term, but I know he had a good impact here last season, so hopefully, we’ll be looking to bring one or two in this week.”
Why Celtic Need Him At The Back
The Hoops, on paper, have ample central defensive options. Christopher Jullien and Kristofer Ajer have formed a towering partnership, but, at the same time, they lack enough cover and quality to compete for multiple silverware. Jozo Simunovic is back in the squad following a long injury layoff whereas Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed remain sidelined with their respective fitness concerns. Benkovic, therefore, would inject freshness in an injury-ravaged backline and strengthen the Bhoys significantly for the remainder of the campaign.
