Kieran Tierney’s thoughts on Ewan Henderson should certainly leave Neil Lennon in no doubt as to what he’s working with.
In one of Brendan Rodgers’ parting gifts, he gave young Henderson a couple of opportunities in the first team. The midfielder has two assists in three matches to his name. Added to that, he didn’t look out of place at Tynecastle. He sent a defence-splitting ball to Scott Sinclair for Celtic’s first goal before coming off in the second half. You can watch the highlights of that game here.
Yes, Henderson certainly hasn’t been overawed by his first-team experience. Injuries to the likes of Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic, and Ryan Christie has opened up a door of opportunity for him.
And after seeing him develop for the youth teams in recent years, Tierney certainly didn’t mince his words when touching on Henderson’s potential. Speaking in the Celtic View (Wednesday 27th February, page 24), Tierney couldn’t help but lavish praise on the youngster.
“Hendo was magnificent. That goal and what happened afterwards (vs Motherwell) showed how good he was. He dug in deep.
“When I was on the bench I watched him make a run up the right wing. He didn’t get the ball and was then immediately there at left-back helping Jonny Hayes out.
“He’s technically amazing, one of the best youngsters I’ve ever seen. He’s also got that dirty side to his game too. He can work and tackle when the team need him too.”
Opportunities there for Henderson
He didn’t make an appearance at Easter Road against Hibs, but we’ve seen enough of Henderson now to know what he’s all about.
In recent games against Motherwell and Hearts he’s seriously stepped up. He has an eye for a pass, has shown tremendous ball-retention skills, and can whip in a dangerous cross when necessary. All in all, it’s been a sensational start to his Celtic career.
Henderson’s biggest challenge will arrive when the likes of Rogic and Christie return. Trying to get into the Celtic side ahead of that duo will likely be too difficult a task for now.
But the youngest of the Henderson brothers is showing all of the right levels of promise to be given more outings between now and the end of the season. He certainly has admirers when you take into consideration Tierney’s words, and he’s rated highly at Parkhead.
Can he add to his three appearances between now and the end of the campaign? He certainly deserves to, but you can’t help but feel we won’t get a better sense of his ability until he heads out on loan to another Scottish club.
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