Benkovic still expects to end season a Celt

know what can happen in January.”

If Benkovic returns south it will be a blow to Brendan Rodgers as the centre-half has established himself as a first-team regular during the last four months.

But the 21-year-old (below), speaking ahead of the games against Aberdeen at Pittodrie this afternoon and Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday, suspects he will stay in Glasgow for the remainder of this term.

“I can’t say any more because I don’t know,” he said. “Probably I will stay, but we will see in the next few weeks. We speak from time to time. They call me on the telephone. But it is difficult to say what will happen.”

Meanwhile, Benkovic has predicted the hostile atmospheres Celtic will encounter this week will help him and his teammates perform well and pick up six points. The Scottish champions are unlikely to receive any festive goodwill from the home supporters at either Pittodrie or Ibrox.

But the defender, whose team are bidding to win an eighth consecutive Scottish title this season, believes the double treble winners will respond positively.

“We must focus and prepare for Aberdeen. They are a good team and we respect them a lot. But we know our qualities and we want to take maximum points.

“We are hungry for these kind of games because they challenge you more. You play football because of challenges and these games will be tough.

“When you go on to the pitch and hear the loud crowd, especially in away games, it gives you more energy and makes me more determined to win. It inspires me.”