Kundai Benyu has impressed Celtic icon Henrik Larsson on his first start for Swedish outfit Helsingborgs IF, as reported by The Daily Record.
Benyu made the loan switch back in February but had yet to start for the club, despite making seven other appearances from the bench.
Larsson, who returned to the club for his second spell as manager in June, decided to try him out against Falkenberg in league action on Saturday.
Rewarded with a goal from the forgotten Celtic man, the Hoops legend was delighted, telling The Record: “He was very, very good and showed why he is a Celtic player. He’s had some problems with fitness, but his movement and finish was superb.
“He’s confident on the ball and helps us out both in attack and defence so we are delighted that we’ve got him. I expect him to kick on from his first start and first goal.”
Does Benyu have a future at Celtic?
Celtic fans are liable to take anything Larsson says very seriously indeed, so Benyu’s reputation has likely taken a big boost with these comments.
His contract doesn’t expire until 2021 either, so there is still a bit of time to make an impact at Celtic Park.
However, the attacker has made just four appearances for the Hoops since 2017, failing to make an impression under Brendan Rodgers.
Having also struggled out on loan at Oldham Athletic, the last few years have been difficult for the player.
It’s likely he’ll get one last shot to impress with Neil Lennon installed, but don’t expect the 21-year-old to be starring in the first-team on his return from Sweden.
The player is due back at Celtic Park in late January, just in time for the second half of Celtic’s 2019/20 season.
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