Celtic’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase of the Europa League were handed a huge boost on Thursday evening after they recorded a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig at Celtic Park.
It was a result which Celtic thoroughly deserved on a memorable European evening in Glasgow as they continued their fantastic recent run of form courtesy of goals from Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard.
In the aftermath of proceedings, a whole host of Celtic players were lauded throughout the media, including the likes of Edouard, Callum McGregor and James Forrest, but the central defensive pairing of Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata also came in for esteemed praise from the supporters.
Celtic signed Benkovic on a season-long loan during the summer shortly after he completed a permanent switch to Leicester City, and the physically imposing Croatian has thoroughly impressed the supporters so far.
But the fact he is destined to leave the club is a notable sore point for the supporters who are enjoying the emergence of a blossoming partnership between him and Boyata at the heart of defence.
While the possibility of a Celtic bid for Benkovic cannot be ruled out, it seems beyond the realms of possibility that the Hoops would be able to conclude a deal before he has been given a chance to prove himself at the King Power Stadium.
And after last night’s performance, Claude Puel will be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of welcoming Benkovic back to the Foxes.
Here’s what the Celtic fans had to say about Benkovic’s performance last night and his inevitable return to the Premier League…
Big Boyata has had the cigars out aw season but benkovic looks class as well. I dinnae want Leicester to take him back
— Kris Mcmurchie (@Kris_McMurchie) November 9, 2018
What a player Leicester City have in Filip Benkovic it will break my heart when his loan is up at Celtic , what a talent.
— Paul Devanny (@goaliesbhoy) November 9, 2018
Am I the only one thinking give Boyata a big contract…seriously we missed out on Benkovic at a cheap pric?..
— Jack Meighan (@jack_meighan) November 9, 2018
aye and they still play morgan whos 34 and glass legs evans in reserve..got a feeling they may recall him in jan
— marko (@Marko32Mark) November 9, 2018
I think now we can safely say that Odsonne Edouard is now looking a Steal at £9m. Ryan Christie will get better and better.The whole team are Magnificent at the moment . But I wish we could afford Filip Benkovic.This Bhoy shows all the Characteristics of being world class
— Pat D (@del_pat) November 9, 2018
I’m more worried about Benkovic and Boyata both leaving them 2 have a good thing going here wish it would be for a few years and not few months
— Belfast Bhoy (@BigHazz1) November 9, 2018
All I want for Christmas is Benkovic on a permanent deal
— Mark O'M (@Sparky__83) November 9, 2018
https://twitter.com/Big_McLaren/status/1060808633024430086
Benkovic and Boyata are a fucking unit of a partnership and the fact that 1 if not both realistically won’t be here next season is heartbreaking
— C (@_CM_67_) November 9, 2018
