Celtic News

Celtic star admits he regrets playing at Ibrox, offers update on fitness battle

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Celtic defender Filip Benkovic admits playing against Rangers at Ibrox may have been a mistake, admitting he took a gamble with his fitness in order to play in one of the biggest games of his career.

The Croatian had to be substituted off just before half-time in the encounter, limiting our options to make substitutions in the second half and throwing Kristoffer Ajer into a high intensity match from the bench.

The Leicester City loanee limped off but is hoping that the winter break will see him put a knee injury behind him to allow consistent performances in the hoops.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he updated fans on his status, saying:

My knee is good again. I had the problem for a few weeks in December but it’s OK again. I’ve trained as normal in Dubai, doing my rehabilitation and some extra work on my knee. I still feel it a little bit but I can do everything on the pitch. If it stays like this, everything will be fine.

During the Rangers match, I felt the same pain I’d felt at Aberdeen the week before in the 10th minute.

Before the game I’d taken some medicine, a lot of stuff, but it didn’t help. We had a few injuries already in defence and sometimes you get days like that. It was tough, you know. But I tried. I just wasn’t going to make it.

In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have played. But when you’re a footballer you want to play in every game – especially that one!

Benkovic has become a real fan favourite since making the temporary loan switch in the summer transfer window and has won plaudits for his committed and strong centre-back play alongside Dedryck Boyata.

His performances have left many Celtic fans wishing he can one day play permanently at the club, although most recognise he has a talent that should allow him to play regularly at English Premier League level.

All we can do is enjoy him while he’s here and hopefully fitness problems are not a concern in the second half of the season as we look to defend our Scottish Premiership title.

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