£13m Filip Benkovic shone on loan at Celtic last season but he still hasn't made a Premier League appearance under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.
Brendan Rodgers insists that Filip Benkovic is part of his plans at Leicester City, telling The Mercury that the seldom-seen centre-back is not set to re-join Celtic on loan before the transfer window slams shut.
Considering that Rodgers signed Benkovic last summer during his final season at the Scottish Premiership champions, the Croatian international was probably jumping for joy when it was announced that the Northern Irishman would be taking over at Leicester in February.
Though since returning south of the border, Benkovic has continued to find opportunities hard to come by at his parent club. A defender who joined The Foxes from Dinamo Zagreb for £13 million (The Mercury) wasn’t included in the matchday squad for Leicester’s Premier League clashes against Wolves or Chelsea.
But Rodgers was unequivocal about the youngster’s future when asked whether another spell at Celtic is on the cards.
“He’ll stay. He won’t be going anywhere,” the former Liverpool and Swansea coach said, while confirming that Benkovic will feature in Leicester’s U23 clash against Brighton on Friday.
In fairness, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu have formed an impressive partnership in the opening weeks of 2019/20, stepping up to ensure the loss of Harry Maguire hasn’t been as pronounced as many might have expected – point Rodgers was keen to make before Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United.
Long-serving club captain Wes Morgan shouldn’t be forgotten either.
Benkovic’s chance will come. Rodgers rates him highly after an excellent spell in Scotland though the 22-year-old has it all to do right now if he wants to oust Evans or Soyuncu from the starting XI.
Celtic, meanwhile, will be hoping that Christopher Jullien and Jozo Simunovic ensure that Benkovic isn’t missed.
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