Loanee could be set for a baptism of fire at Ibrox and Barry Fry reckons the Peterborough academy graduate is made for the big time.
06:00, 01 Mar 2026
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He's watching from The Posh seats over 300 miles away.
And Barry Fry can’t wait to get comfy again this afternoon as he tunes in for the latest round of this ferocious Scottish Premiership title fight.
A lunchtime serving of Rangers versus Celtic is just what’s needed to get Fry up this Sunday morning.
It’s not that the Peterborough United director of football particularly has a foot in either camp.
But he does have a vested interest in both squads, namely two players who could well square up in today’s bout.
In the blue corner is Manny Fernandez who has come through a torrid start to life in Govan after his £2.5m move from Posh last summer to become a key man in Danny Rohl’s revolution.
However, it’s a fresh face in the green corner who has people talking. And wondering.
Benjamin Arthur only has 16 minutes for Celtic under his belt since signing on loan from Brentford on deadline day last month - but the big defender could be launched in from the start with Austin Trusty suspended.
Rangers v Celtic - Glasgow Derby Preview
Full debuts could hardly be more volatile than an Old Firm in enemy territory.
Should he get the nod, though, Fry is certain the kid will be among the coolest heads in Ibrox.
Arthur came through the Posh academy before moving to Brentford for £750,000 in the summer of 2023.
And Fry has no doubt the 20-year-old is ready for the rough and tumble of the Old Firm after making a winning Bees debut against an Aston Villa side containing Donyell Malen, Jason Sancho, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
That was the first of three top team appearances this season.
And speaking to Mail Sport, Fry reckons the fact Brentford handed him a bumper new six-year contract last summer speaks volumes for the youngster’s quality.
He said: “It’s incredible to see Manny and Benjamin up there on opposite sides now.
“Don’t forget we sold Hearts big Frankie Kent too - so we’ve got three players going for the title with three different clubs and they were all with Peterborough three years ago.
“I’ll be tuned in to the game with interest on Sunday. Absolutely.
“For Benjamin this is a real Roy of the Rovers story, to be honest.
“We offered him a contract because he’d done so well in the academy but he didn't sign, he went to Brentford.
“Brentford were very good, gave us a magnificent opening fee and plenty of sell ons and all that.
“And they recently gave him a new six-year contract before loaning him to Celtic - so he’s clearly doing great.
“Brentford's got a great name for recruitment, improving players and selling them on so this was a really good move for all three parties.
“We've got a great academy here at Peterborough and we've had a lot of players come through it. He's certainly one of the best.
“He was so mature for his age at 15, 16, 17. Whenever you spoke to Benjamin he wanted to listen, he wanted to learn, he wanted to be a player. His attitude was brilliant and he trained well.
“He stood out on the pitch because of the coolness and calmness he had. The control of the ball and his passing ability.
“Benjamin played for England Under-20s last year as well.
“He’s strong, he's a good footballer. He reads the game well for a young lad.
“Benjamin will be a top Premier League player, a real class act, no doubt about that.
“He made his debut for Brentford against Aston Villa in the cup and did very, very well up against top players like Malen, Rogers and Watkins.
“He's got a big future and it'll be great for him if he should now play in the Old Firm derby, wow!
“The atmosphere and all the rest of it.. that'll be an unbelievable experience for the boy.
“I hope he is thrown in, there won't be a cooler or calmer man on the field than him.
“We all know those Old Firm derbies are something else, anything can happen.
“But he'll just take it into his stride.”
Benjamin Arthur after signing for Celtic
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Benjamin Arthur after signing for Celtic(Image: SNS Group)
Should he get the nod from Martin O’Neill then Arthur could find himself directly up against fellow ex-Posh man, Fernandez.
The towering Gers defender has become one of Rohl’s biggest goal threats from set pieces as he proved again with the first in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Livingston.
But while both defender stand at 6ft 4in, Fry reckons they are very different players.
He said: “Different types altogether.
“Manny’s strength is his ability in the air. He can dominate in both boxes and get his head on the end of things.
“He's got a magnet on his head and he'll score goals.
“That's why I put a clause in the deal that if he scores so many goals, we get so much.
“So I’m pleased to see he's got six already!
“It’s not that long ago punters up there were accusing us of selling them a dud. But look at Manny now. He’ll make Rangers big money in the future.”
Arthur won’t make Celtic anything when he heads back to West London in the summer.
But his contribution in the east end of Glasgow could still be priceless should he get the chance to show his worth in the coming weeks - and grab it.
Fry said: “His potential was enormous with us. Brentford and a lot more clubs saw that at a young age.
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“Benjamin decided to go to Brentford and I think it was the best decision he made.
“I hope he does great for Celtic. Then he'll go back to Brentford and hopefully get in their first team next year.
“I have no doubt, he's got a very, very bright future.”