Celtic centre-back Jack Hendry has hinted that he’s ready for another opportunity at Parkhead if given the chance.
The former Dundee defender cost the Hoops a decent outlay of £1.5million when he signed from Dens Park in January 2018 [Daily Record]. However, in the resulting three years he’s failed to break into the first team.
After an injury and Covid-hit spell in Australia last season, Jack was sent out on loan to Belgian side KV Oostende. He’s since reinvigorated his career, with his loan club keen on taking up their option to buy [Daily Record].
Hendry told their official club website that he was “open” to an extended stay there. However, he’s now hinted that he’s ready for a bigger opportunity if it came about.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times, Jack said: “First and foremost, you have got to look at yourself, and what you could have done better.
“There are obviously external factors that might come into play. But I am just looking forward now. I have learned from it and I feel if I was to get an opportunity of that stature again, I would be ready to thrive in an environment like that.”
Hendry can do his stock a power of good if he thrives with Scotland; Celtic opportunity is there for him
If Hendry truly wants his Celtic opportunity, then it’s there for him to go and seize.
Just because Oostende has an option to buy, it doesn’t mean it has to go through. Even if they want to activate any clause that allows them to talk to Jack, he can turn it down. If he feels he can make that next step and come back to Celtic Park and “thrive”, all he has to do is tell Oostende no.
Granted, there are no certainties for him. Any new manager will have his own plans and may want to bring in his own centre-backs. But he’ll also have done his research on Hendry and likely appreciate the developments he’s made to his game. At the very least, Jack should be allowed the opportunity to show the new boss what he can do.
He’ll also be helped by the centre-back shortage we’re likely to have. Ajer and Duffy look set to leave, whilst Chris Jullien remains crocked. It’s opening up nicely for Jack.
There’s clearly a good centre-back in there too. When he signed, Brendan Rodgers tipped him to be “top class” [BBC]. You don’t get that kind of recognition from a manager like that if you don’t have the suitable qualities. Hendry is also only 25 – he’s hardly coming into his peak just yet.
This is going to be an interesting one in the summer. But don’t expect any immediate answers on Hendry’s future until a new manager is appointed.
In other news, John Kennedy has highlighted the major Celtic improvement he’s noticed since Neil Lennon departed.
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