Celtic loan star Jack Hendry has been shining in Belgium, and produced another big moment yesterday.
Hendry has managed to get his career back on track this season with Oostende. He’s playing every week, and for the entire 90 minutes too. Everything about his campaign has been successful this term.
And yesterday he added another positive moment to his collection. With Oostende locked at 1-1 with Charleroi, Hendry popped up with a header to put his side 2-1 ahead. You can watch it for yourself below:
In the end, Oostende went on to win the game 3-2. It was a huge victory against the side sitting third in the Belgian Pro League. The three points took Oostende to ninth and just a point below the European places.
For Hendry personally, the goal marked his second of the season. More importantly, it was his 13th 90-minute game in Oostende’s last 15 games (Transfermarkt). He’s certainly rebuilding his reputation nicely.
Jack Hendry revitalising himself in Belgium; Celtic return can wait
In recent days, there has been reported interest from Premier League clubs in the Scotland international. 90Min report that Wolves, Brighton, and West Brom have all been attracted by his performances. The likes of Genk, Werder Bremen, and AZ Alkmaar have also been linked.
Hendry himself is targeting an outside chance of a Scotland recall in time for Euro 2020. Speaking to the Oostende website last month, the centre-back said: “It would of course be a dream to one day experience a tournament with Scotland, especially when you know that they do not qualify for every championship.”
Hendry hasn’t played for Scotland since a friendly in Mexico back in 2018. If truth be told, he’s likely extremely far away from a recall anytime soon. He’s yet to make a single camp under Steve Clarke. Don’t be surprised if the Scotland boss tries to be loyal to the players that got him to the Euros either.
But as for his Celtic future, it’s a tough one. The Hoops are in desperate need of another centre-back, and fans are eager to see who it is. Hendry may be doing the job in Belgium, but it’s a totally different ball-game at Celtic Park. Question marks will arise over whether he can deal with the pressure.
As well as that, you have to ask yourself whether he would get the time to make his mark here. The first sign of any major errors and people will be on him. Questions will immediately be asked. That’s not something you would likely get if you’re a new signing.
So, for me, the best bet is to allow Hendry to stay in Belgium and see out the season. It potentially gives Celtic the chance to increase his valuation too if they want to make a potential sale.
In other news, Celtic’s opponents for the Scottish Cup third round has been confirmed.
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