Ewan Henderson’s loan spell at Ross County from Parkhead certainly seems to have been an education, but is it time for him to look elsewhere?
Henderson has spoken in the past about how the move has, so far, been “really good” for his development. He put that down to the fact that he’s playing more first-team games than he would have had he stayed in Glasgow (Press and Journal).
Whilst nobody can deny that, it’s not as if he’s been a first-team regular over the course of the first half of the season. In recent times, he’s struggled massively when it comes to breaking into the starting XI.
Ewan hasn’t started a game for County since a trip to St Mirren on November 23rd. Of the last five matches he’s been available, he’s had to settle for two cameo appearances and three bench-warming ones. That’s only part of a longer run of two starts in nine games too (Transfermarkt).
Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson certainly see a use for him. However, if we’re being truthful, he’s been behind the likes of Harry Paton and Joe Chalmers. Iain Vigurs’ recent return and goal against St Johnstone may not help Hendo’s case either as we head into the second half of the campaign.
Our top talents need to be playing regularly
Meanwhile, the likes of Jack Aitchison and Anthony Ralston are playing every week for Forest Green Rovers and St Johnstone respectively. Henderson arguably is of a greater standard than Jack and Anthony. Therefore, surely it would be wise to find him a place where he’ll play week-in, week-out.
There is the counter-argument though. The idea that fighting for your position is what football is all about is a tough idea to dismiss. But if Henderson could perhaps be doing a job for a club like Hearts or St Johnstone, it might be worth thinking about moving him on.
Of course, this may not even be possible. There’s been no confirmation of any recall clause being written into the contract. Neil Lennon has also hardly been asked about Henderson either, so there doesn’t seem to be much desire to bring him back.
His lack of game-time continues to be a concern however. We need him to be developing, not starting a game or two each month.
Overall this season, Henderson has managed a total of six starts out of a possible 15 games (Transfermarkt). If Celtic knew before the season began that his stats would read that way, would they really have sent him to Dingwall? He’s yet to score a goal or nab an assist either.
If possible, it seems like it may be best to cut this one short. Others will want a talent of Henderson’s calibre, and surely some would be willing to feature him on a more consistent basis.
For now, however, his up-and-down season in Dingwall continues.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
