Celtic loanee Filip Benkovic has thanked the club for providing him the “great honour” of his first senior international call-up.
The 21-year-old, who has made 27 appearances since moving to Parkhead from Leicester City last summer on a season-long loan, was named in the squad Croatia announced on Monday for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Wales next month.
?? Croatia ?? squad list for June matches
1? June 8 ? @EuropeanQualifiers match against @FAWales 2? June 11 ? friendly match against Tunis#BeProud #Family pic.twitter.com/88bFHkAVwC— HNS (@HNS_CFF) May 20, 2019
Speaking to Croatian publication Sportske Novosti, Benkovic admitted that he had been waiting for the opportunity of a first call-up for some time.
“It’s a great honour for me to be included in the squad for the first time. I have no words to describe my happiness,” the centre-back said. “I honestly believe there are other players who are more deserving of a call-up than me, but I have been waiting for my chance for a while.
“I’ve had a really successful year at Celtic and I have to thank them for the positive things they have done for me this year which has led to the call-up.
“I’m proud of everything we’ve done this season in Celtic, I’m very pleased. And the invitation to the national team has crowned my season.”
OPINION
It has been a solid season for Benkovic at Celtic. After 27 appearances with the Hoops, he has grown into a real asset and been a valuable player for the club this term. Having been brought in by former boss Brendan Rodgers at the start of the season, it is the Scottish Premiership where he has made the biggest mark, featuring in 19 games and chipping in with two goals and an assist. In the interview with Sportske Novosti, Benkovic also admits that he does not know where his future lies. It is likely to be with Leicester again next season, since Rodgers brought him north of the border and will likely want him in his plans for the Foxes next season. If not, there would be no harm in him staying at Celtic, for he has done enough this term to show that he can be good enough to stay with the team.