Filip Benkovic eager to impress Celtic fans after Leicester loan move
Filip Benkovic is keen to perform in front of the Celtic fans after being impressed by his first taste of Parkhead.
The Croatia Under-21 defender flew up from England on Thursday night to complete a season-long loan move from Leicester City, who signed him from Dinamo Zagreb last month for a reported £13million. He was at Celtic Park in time to see some of the Hoops' convincing 3-0 victory over Lithuanian side Suduva which sealed the Scottish champions' spot in the Europa League group stages on a 4-1 aggregate.
I was at the game and I can only say that the crowd were unbelievable,'' Benkovic told Celtic's official website.
The fans were amazing and so passionate and they lived with the players for the whole game. I really liked what I saw and I can't wait to play in front of them.
I will promise that I will do my best in every game and every training session.
I know I can improve in my game as I want to reach a highest level as possible so I will give all my blood to this club. This is all can promise.
I'm very happy to be here. This has happened so fast, but I'm delighted that it finished here as this is a very big club with a big history.''
It is not clear whether Benkovic will feature in Sunday's Old Firm game against Rangers at Parkhead, where Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to continue his dominance over the Light Blues.
The Hoops boss has not lost in 11 matches against the Ibrox side since taking over from Ronny Deila in 2016.
Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard played under Rodgers at Anfield and will get his first taste of the fixture as Gers boss.
However, regardless of who is in the opposition dugout, Rodgers is hoping his good record against Rangers remains intact.
It is just about staying calm and focused'', said the Northern Irishman, who will be without Moussa Dembele after the club accepted an offer reportedly of around £20million from Lyon for the French striker.
We know how we want to play, we play really aggressively.
The last couple of years we have been dominant in the fixture and we aim to continue to be.
But it doesn't come to you. You have to work hard and show your qualities and they are amazing games to be involved in.
It is the first one of the season and it should be a real special game.''