Rodgers admits to U-turn decision on Benyu after impressing

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he intended to send new signing Kundai Benyu out on-loan, but has stalled doing so after the midfielder’s impressive performance in a friendly defeat to Lyon yesterday.

Benyu signed for the Hoops last month from English Championship side Ipswich Town, and impressed his new boss on his senior debut at Celtic Park having scored against East Kilbride earlier in the week playing for the youth side.

The Irishman was clearly impressed with what he had seen from Benyu, despite the 4-0 loss to the French outfit.

As quoted by the Daily Express, Rodgers spoke of his original plans for Benyu as well as what his intentions are now:

Initially the plan was to have him in, thinking he can get an idea of how we work at the club and then go on loan. But I’ve sort of changed my mind, really, over the last period of time just watching him.

I think it’s going to be good for him to see how we train, how we work, get an education in our football then review in January. He’s certainly a boy who can contribute for us. He’s surprised me to be honest.

We knew he was a good player. He’s played with a nice little edge, he’s competitive and confident. We’ve played him off a side where he can come in and help the team dominate the ball on the inside.

How he receives the ball is very good, he’s an attacking player who wants to get goals and he’s actually quite exciting. I thought he was very good for 19.

The 19-year-old midfielder seems a promising capture if his performance on Saturday is anything to go by and could be one to watch as the season progresses.

He joins an already competitive list of players battling it out for a spot in midfield as Rodgers looks to build a squad capable of making an impact in Europe.

Rodgers brought in France U21 international Olivier Ntcham recently too, a player who has attracted a lot of attention given his price tag.