Celtic’s Jack Hendry talks about his future; tells KV Oostende fans what they want to hear

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Celtic centre-back Jack Hendry has said that he’s “open” to an extended stay with Belgian side KV Oostende next season.

Oostende executive president Gauthier Ganaye stated at the end of last week that they want Hendry to remain a “big” part of things next season [Daily Record].

The move to Belgium has reinvigorated Hendry’s career, and it was capped off with a call-up to the Scotland squad for this week’s World Cup qualifying camp. It’s a massive boost for Jack, after being frozen out at Celtic just a year after signing under Brendan Rodgers.

However, Hendry appears to be ready to commit himself to Belgium for another spell if his recent comments are anything to go by. He’s been speaking to KV Oostende’s official website, and it’s clear he’s interested in a potential stay with European football next season.

“Open to an extended stay”

“I am one hundred percent honest when I say that I have not thought that far ahead. The most important thing for me at the moment is KV Oostende. I want to finish as high as possible. We are in a very favorable position in the rankings at the moment. We could have been even higher if we had had a little more luck in some matches. I watch it all game by game. 

“I must admit that I am open to an extended stay in Oostend. We could play European football next season, how crazy would that be? Of course, it depends on various factors whether I stay in Oostend, but I am very grateful to the club. They gave me a chance when I was at a difficult time in my career. I would also like to give something back to the club.

“There are still a few games to play and there is still a lot at stake so that is my focus now.”

Celtic need to take a look at Jack Hendry; centre-back options too short to allow KV Oostende to sign him

If it’s possible, Celtic need to try and get Hendry back to Lennoxtown, regardless of whether he’s open to a departure or not.

We’re already going to be short at the back as it is. Kris Ajer looks a cert to depart whilst Chris Jullien is injured and Shane Duffy will return to Brighton after his loan deal expires.

Meanwhile, we have one of our centre-backs impressing in a progressive footballing country and looking like aiming for European football next season. All the while he’s reportedly been attracting interest from the English Premier League [Daily Mail].

Everything that could’ve gone right for Hendry this season has gone right. He even has his parent club’s supporters wanting another look at him. A Celtic reprieve would surely change his mind as it would be a huge step-up from what he’s experiencing with Oostende.

However, with Celtic giving the Belgian club the option-to-buy, it doesn’t read well. We don’t now the specifics of the agreement between both clubs, but it could be that we are powerless if a fee has already been previously agreed and written into the deal.

But Hendry clearly doesn’t know where his future lies at the moment. Celtic, meanwhile, should do all they can to ensure that it’s at Parkhead until we say otherwise.

In other news, the Celtic supporters are growing in their admiration of Mohamed Elyounoussi after yesterday’s derby heroics.