Filip Benkovic's mind was firmly on the job of getting Celtic to the Betfred Cup Final but he admits his heart was elsewhere.

The on-loan Leicester defender produced a polished performance at Murrayfield that was all the more impressive in the circumstances.

Benkovic admits he was struggling to get his head around the tragic news of the helicopter crash outside his club ground down south, with Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who he signed for just a few months ago, one of five victims.

The Croatian was still trying to comprehend the disaster when he helped Celts see off Hearts and he dedicated the win – and his thoughts – to all those involved in the accident.

Supporters pay tribute at Leicester's ground after the horror helicopter crash

Benkovic said: “This news was very, very bad for everyone. Nobody expected an accident like that. So this win, I give it to the families of those who have died.

“I met him, of course. I wasn’t so long there, just one month. But I met him – and he was an unbelievable person. I really don’t know what else to say about him. It’s such a difficult time.

“It really is a family club, Leicester. I could see that in a month. You could see it within the first few days.

“Everybody is very close there. That’s all I can say. I haven’t spoken to anyone there yet. I really don’t know what to say at this moment.”

Benkovic struggled to find the right words but it was a testimony to his character he managed to produce such a cool display at the heart of the Hoops defence.

The centre-back strolled it at the back alongside returning Kris Ajer and never looked at any stage to be in danger of losing his cool.

Composed on the ball, dominant in the air, and determined to snuff out any Jambos attack, the big fellow looked every inch the £13million summer signing for Leicester.

Benkovic was grateful when he heard the glowing praise but he was more pleased Celtic managed to respond to their injury crisis to get to the final.

Filip Benkovic and Kristoffer Ajer snuff out the threat of Hearts' Arnaud Djoum

These kind of occasions are exactly why the 21-year-old jumped at the chance to come north for the season.

He said: “Thank you for saying I showed character to play today. But, you know, this was a big game for us.

“We had to focus on it from two or three days before, just think about this game – and give everything.

“It’s so important for us to make it to the final. We want to win this trophy so much. After this game, I am so proud of this team.

“They all want to win every trophy. And this is a good feeling. I also came from a club that wants to win every trophy. I like that attitude.”

Celtic were coasting by the end but they were made to graft for their win. Hearts frustrated the Hoops early on and the treatment table got even more crowded as Eboue Kouassi and then Olivier Ntcham were forced to go off.

It was a big test of the squad and their character on the back of a bruising Europa League trip to Leipzig but the Parkhead men came up with all the answers.

Benkovic savoured the celebrations at Murrayfield and he said: “It was a great game for us, especially in this atmosphere, with so many of our fans through here.

“With their support, it was much easier to play. We were much better in the second half, we took our chances – and we got a big, important victory.

Celtic players celebrating the second goal at Murrayfield

“This was one of the reasons I came here, to play in these games. This is why you play football, when you walk out there and see that amazing support.

“That gives you memories that will last forever. The celebrations at full-time with the fans were priceless.”

Benkovic is relishing his spell in Glasgow. He was forced to sit out the European trip but he’s slotted into the side with little fuss and a lot of class.

And the Croat is even getting up to speed with the local lingo.

He said: “I’ve only been here two months but I’ve settled in very well and the guys have helped me, which makes it so much easier.

“I’ve also learned some Glasgow phrases. Yeah, I’m buzzing! Now I’ll take lessons once a week to learn.”