New Celtic midfielder Kundai Benyu insists he is determined to persuade manager Brendan Rodgers that he is already good enough to become a first-team regular.

The 19-year-old recently joined the club after leaving Ipswich Town but many expected him to be loaned out this season.

He spent last season on loan at Aldershot but Benyu has impressed during training and in the friendly against Lyon on Saturday.

Although his side lost 4-0 against the French giants, Rodgers admits he has plenty to think about after Benyu’s display in the first 70 minutes.

A loan move now looks unlikely and Benyu insists he will do all he can to convince Rodgers to play him on a regular basis.

He told reporters: “I wasn’t sure if I was going to go out on loan but I have come here and worked as hard as I can so I’m happy to stay and fight for my place.

“I would much rather be settled in Glasgow with the boys playing week in, week out.

“Given time and me working hard in training, listening to the gaffer’s advice, I think I will be able to get in the team as much as I can.

“I think I am ready to step in now if the gaffer calls upon me but the main objective is to keep working hard in training every day.”

Benyu will be hopeful he can play his part in the Scottish Premiership this season, with Celtic looking to challenge on a number of fronts, including the Champions League.