Rodgers raves about Celtic teenager after Champions League victory
By Derek Smithson
Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on youngster Kundai Benyu following Celtic’s emphatic victory over Linfield in the Champions League qualifiers.
The Bhoys progressed to the Champions League third round qualifiers with a 4-0 home win over the Northern Irish side, which secured a 6-0 aggregate victory.
Scott Sinclair netted a double for the hosts, while Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong were also on the scoresheet.
They have now set-up a potentially difficult tie against Norwegian side Rosenborg, with the first leg taking place at Parkhead next week.
Rodgers managed to bring on Benyu in the 74th minute for Celtic against Linfield as he replaced teammate Calum McGregor.
The manager spoke about the 19-year-old midfielder after the game and was full of compliments.
“Young Kundai Benyu is full of enthusiasm. Bright and deliberate play and wants to get in the box,” Rodgers said, as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account.
Benyu moved to Glasgow in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Ipswich and was expected to play in Celtic’s youth side.
The central midfielder has made a strong start to life for the Bhoys and will be boosted by an appearance in the Champions League qualifiers.
His only previous senior football came in the national league with Aldershot Town and he is now making the huge step up in class to the Scottish champions, who went unbeaten last season domestically.
Benyu will be encourage by Rodgers’ willingness to promote youngsters and he has benefited first hand of that philosophy already at Celtic.
In other Celtic news, Rodgers has revealed the club’s ambition for the upcoming season.
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