Benfica big on Binya staying power

Though SL Benfica changed their coach just one match into the Portuguese Superliga season, the return of a familiar face in the popular José Antonio Camacho was a welcome tonic. With Camacho well known for giving youth a chance in his first spell in Lisbon, Augustin Binya has particular reason to be pleased to see the Spaniard back at the club.

European debut
The 23-year-old Cameroonian was signed last summer by Camacho's predecessor Fernando Santos, on a recommendation from Eurico Gomes, a former Benfica defender and Portuguese international. Binya developed into arguably the Algerian league's finest player under Gomes's guidance after moving from his homeland to MC Oran in 2004. After signing a five-year deal with Benfica this summer, the midfielder was set to be loaned to CF Estrela da Amadora for the season before Camacho arrived and blocked the deal. Following an injury to defensive midfield lynchpin Petit, the coach gave Binya his European debut against champions AC Milan on Matchday 1.

Hard work
Speaking to uefa.com after the Eagles' first UEFA Champions League Group D win against Celtic FC, Binya said it was no problem stepping into the starting lineup for such a big match. "The whole squad keeps working together, whether you're in the team or not," he said. Nor was he taking his place for granted, despite a combative and influential performance against the Scottish champions. "I had my chance, and I'll just go back to working hard tomorrow."

Specialist
More chances are likely to be forthcoming. Binya's performances have helped shake Benfica out of their indifferent early season form. As well his eye-catching passing, tenacious tackling and intelligent positioning, the Yaounde-born player has another very special talent up his sleeve, saying: "I have practiced throw-ins since I was ten and now I can put the ball on the far post from 30 metres away."

'Everything is possible'
Binya is confident he will be launching his extraordinary throws in the knockout phase. "Everything is possible," he said, though he is not taking the return at Celtic Park lightly. "Celtic were very difficult opponents," he admitted. "They caused us a lot of problems with their physical power. Luckily the goal came too late for them to come back." Likewise, Celtic know they will have a battle on their hands again if Binya starts in Glasgow on Tuesday.