OPINION
With Stuart Armstrong’s exit from Celtic seemingly just days away, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for someone to take his place in the senior side – and it is time for Kundai Benyu to make the step up.
The 20-year-old arrived at Parkhead on a free transfer from Ipswich after the Hoops won the battle for his capture, but he will likely be a forgotten signing among the Bhoys faithful after making just four appearances during his first campaign with the Scottish giants.
He found himself shipped out to Oldham Athletic for the second half of the season but again struggled to get the desired game time, with just five outings under his belt for the League One outfit.
Armstrong meanwhile appeared 41 times across all competitions under Rodgers, but it appears as though fans have seen the last of the central midfielder, with BBC Sport reporting that a four year deal looks set to be signed over the coming days.
A creative outlet from the middle of the park, there are few others at Celtic Park who can offer the same qualities as Armstrong, but Benyu should certainly be looking at making that step up despite his first season difficulties.
A versatility that can see him operate in both the middle of the pitch as well as on the wings should see him handed the chance to act as cover to a number of players, and if he wants to live up to expectation, then he should be starring much more often over the coming 12 months.
Currently on the fringes, he cannot allow fans, or Rodgers, to continue to forget about his existence – otherwise he could face a miserable time during what are the most important years of his career.