Benkovic has joined Celtic on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season.
New Celtic signing Filip Benkovic has told the Daily Record that he wants to partner Jozo Simunovic at the heart of Brendan Rodgers’ defence in the near future.
Benkovic, 21, signed for Celtic on loan until the end of the season despite only joining Claude Puel’s side earlier on in the summer window for £13million from Dinamo Zagreb.
He is one of five signings made by Celtic throughout the window, along with a permanent deal for Odsonne Edouard, the re-signing of Emilio Izaguirre, Youssouf Mulumbu and the loan capture of Manchester City’s Daniel Arzani.
The five-time Croatia Under-21 international claimed that he is keen to break his way into Rodgers’ first team and wants to partner Simunovic in the middle of Celtic’s defence – having played with Simunovic at his former club.
“I already know Jozo Simunovic – we played a couple of games together at Dynamo Zagreb,” Benkovic said.
“I have obviously spoken a lot with him to find out about Celtic. Unfortunately, he has an injury just now, but he should be back shortly. Who knows? Hopefully, we may have two Croats in the centre of the Celtic defence soon.”
Benkovic has been brought to Parkhead with the Hoops crying out for a new central defender, with doubts arising over the performances of Jack Hendry and 24-year-old Simunovic in recent weeks.
Dedryck Boyata has remained with the Hoops – but remains a doubt with his contract expiring next summer – but Benkovic adds depth and a youthful exuberance to Celtic’s defence.
Celtic are next in action after the international break against newly-promoted St. Mirren on September 14, before beginning their Europa League group stage campaign by hosting Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.
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