Red card surely ends Kundai Benyu’s Celtic first-team hopes

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic’s reserve team were in action yesterday. Tommy McIntyre’s side lost 1-0 to Aberdeen in the clash, despite the likes of Daniel Arzani, Anthony Ralston and Kundai Benyu all featuring.

However, the performance of the latter left little to be desired. Benyu was partly at fault for the loss after a silly first-half red-card. Already booked, he petulantly kicked out at Aberdeen forward Connor McLennan to receive his marching orders in the 39th minute.

It was a rash moment from the young talent and one which will surely ruin his chances of any first-team football in the near future at Parkhead.

The Zimbabwe international started last season brilliantly. Brendan Rodgers waxed lyrical about his new signing, with Benyu arriving on a free transfer from Ipswich Town.

“He’s been very good. He’s surprised me, to be honest. We knew he was a good player (but not that good).” 

– Rodgers on Benyu last summer

Benyu played several games at the start of last season but soon faded out. He then suffered a poor loan spell at Oldham Athletic and was recently left out of the club’s Europa League squad.

But if Rodgers was considering a recall, the manner of his red card will convince the Celtic boss otherwise.

He needs players he can trust and rely upon. Right now, it is hard to see the 20-year-old being in that category.

A loan exit in January for the second consecutive season looks increasingly likely.