'Give the lad a chance' - Virgo delivers verdict on latest Celtic signing

By Danny Wright

Former Celtic defender Adam Virgo has urged his old club to give latest signing Kundai Benyu a chance to succeed at Parkhead.

The Hoops announced that the 19-year-old had signed a four-year deal on Thursday in a statement on their official website after he rose through the ranks of the Ipswich academy.

Benyu became Brendan Rodgers' second summer signing after Jonny Hayes was snapped up from Aberdeen in mid-June.

The teenage playmaker spent last season on loan in the English non-league with Aldershot, but Virgo, 34, believes that he has the potential to become a good player in the future.

"Celtic have signed a talented footballer in Kundai Benyu. So talented with the ball at his feet. Give the lad a chance he will do very well," he said on his personal Twitter account on Thursday night.

Benyu didn't make a single senior appearance during his time at Ipswich, and played first-team football for the first time last season when he was sent to National League side Aldershot.

He made 23 appearances while on loan with the Shots, scoring five goals as he helped them reach the play-off spots.

According to HITC, the Bhoys had to pay a compensation fee to Ipswich as Benyu had reached the end of his contract, but it is understood to be a small amount.

Virgo, now a pundit who usually features on Channel 5, spent three years as a Celtic player after he signed from Brighton in 2005.

He lifted the Scottish Premiership title in 2005/06 but after loan spells with both Coventry and Colchester he was sent back to Brighton on a permanent deal.

In other Celtic news, Rodgers is confident that this 25-year-old will sign a new deal.

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