WHY FANS’ FAVOURITE MUST QUIT FOR ‘NEW CHALLENGE’
FILIP BENKOVIC has confirmed there is no way he will be remaining at Celtic when his loan spell expires at the end of the season.
The Croatian Under-21 international defender will head back to Leicester City and “a new challenge” in the summer after becoming a fans’ favourite at Parkhead.
Benkovic, who has made 24 appearances for the champions, hasn’t figured in the first team since sustaining an injury in the 3-0 Premiership win over Hamilton Accies on January 26.
He has been forced to sit out six games and he will be unavailable for tomorrow night’s Europa League last-32 second leg tie against Valencia at the Mestalla with the Hoops trailing 2-0 from last week’s loss in Glasgow.
The stylish centre-back has thanked Brendan Rodgers and Celtic for helping to mould him into being a top-flight performer across the border.
Benkovic, who won a Betfred League Cup medal in the 1-0 triumph over Aberdeen in December, said: “I’ve played a lot of high-level games, which has helped me a lot.
FIELD OF DREAMS…Filip Benkovic with the newly-won League Cup after the 1-0 triumph over Aberdeen at Hampden.
“But I think I have plenty of room for progress. I need to work, to improve, to play in every part of the game, I just have to continue this kind of rhythm with strong work in training.
“It’s important to respect the coaches and team-mates and be honest in training and with everyone around you.
“It’s a formula for growth, a recipe for further progress. I think I’m on the right track.
“I just have to believe in myself – and I definitely believe. I have never lacked self-confidence.
“I want to make another step at the end of the season. I want to show that I can play in the English Premier League.
“But I want to emphasise that I still have to make progress. I can still do a lot of work on my game to be an even more complete player, I just need to work.
“I cannot wait for new challenges, I want more challenges, I set very high goals.
“I’ll do absolutely everything to reach them.”