FILIP BENKOVIC appears to have vetoed any chance of another loan season at Parkhead, despite failing to make Brendan Rodgers’ 18-man squad for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
The talented Croatian central defender made an appearance for the Midlands Under-23 side in a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at the King Power Stadium on Monday night in front of a meagre attendance of 620 supporters, as CQN reported.
However, Benkovic, who became a fans’ favourite during his temporary period at the Hoops, sees the world record £80million departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United as giving him hope of gatecrashing Brendan Rodgers’ first team.
The 22-year-old classy stopper, who cost the Foxes £12million when he joined from Dinamo Zagreb just before his switch to Parkhead, is ready to challenge Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu for a place in the rearguard.
Benkovic posted a message on Instagram after his outing at the start of the week and insisted he will battle for a spot in the top side: “Giving up is not an option.”
Brendan Rodgers watched the Under-23 game and admitted: “I thought Filip, obviously coming down from the senior squad, was a model professional. He was very, very solid.”
