SHUTDOWN RUINED FAMILY TRIP

JACK HENDRY might be on the other side of the world but he hasn’t been immune to the complications of coronavirus.

The on-loan Celtic star’s family was due to visit him in Australia but that has now been scuppered by the country’s 14-day self-isolation ruling.

Hendry, currently coming back from a medial ligament injury, has also had to watch as Melbourne City and the rest of the A-League has been forced to play behind closed doors.

He confirmed: “If you arrive from outwith Australia you need to go into self-isolation. My mum, dad and sister were due to come out but they aren’t coming now because it wouldn’t be worth it because they were only coming out for a few weeks.

”Luckily, my girlfriend Robyn came out a few weeks ago which was good. I had hardly been in the city and she was able to drive me about and I got to see Melbourne for the first time.”

The Australian authorities have warned that if any players or teams get the virus then their league will be closed down.

Hendry said: “It’s not as bad as the UK but it looks like it might spike here like it has internationally. We are having meetings on it every day and the season is still on the go although we’re not allowed to play in crowds over 500. We are now playing closed-door games.

“They are trying to push the games forward to get to the play-offs and season completed. Most important thing is getting things done in the safest way.”

The Scotland cap was at Melbourne’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers and admitted it was bizarre playing in an empty stadium.

Hendry said: “The game was eerie without fans. It was like a pre-season friendly although it was a very competitive game.

“You can hear everything shouted. It was an experience but not one many players will want to play in.”