Hendry is hoping to shine under Dons’ striker coach Russell

CALLUM HENDRY once pored over Allan Russell’s coaching videos in a bid to hone his striking skills as a teenager. The chance to work face-toface with Russell at Aberdeen is now a source of obvious excitement for the 23-year-old as he aims to make the most of his remaining loan spell. Hendry came off the bench on Saturday to net the crucial late strike against Dumbarton that finally sealed progression to the Scottish Cup last 16. It was just the Pittodrie side’s second goal in their last 11 games and Hendry is clear about the benefits Russell (right) can bring once he joins the backroom staff of incoming manager Stephen Glass. The 40-year-old has developed a huge reputation through his Superior Striker programme and will continue to coach England’s forwards alongside his role at Aberdeen. ‘I’m really looking forward to the striker coach coming in,’ said Hendry, on loan from St Johnstone until the end of the season. ‘I actually used to watch his videos when I was 13 and 14 at the academy at Blackburn. ‘We all stayed in digs in Blackburn and we all watched them when we were younger. ‘To be honest, it’s mad for me to be thinking I was doing that and watching those videos with the boys and now I am going to train under him. It’s a massive confidence booster to have someone like that coming in. ‘He did private sessions with some of the strikers in the English Premier League and then went into work with England. ‘If anyone is going to teach you how to score goals, it’s someone like him. Hopefully, I get a chance to have some sessions with him.’ Russell played for St Mirren, Airdrie and Kilmarnock among others during his career, but began to carve a niche in striker coaching when he moved to America a decade ago. ‘As a striker, finishing drills are easy to do,’ said Hendry. ‘You do that all the time from the days when you are in the academy. ‘But I think he will help with things like positioning and help our awareness around the box and stuff like that which is important so you are getting into the right positions at least. ‘It’s the little things that can make that massive difference and change a whole game. I’m looking forward to it. ‘It’s a bold statement from the club, but it’s not a small club. It’s a huge, huge club, so it’s important to make a statement. All the boys are looking forward to working with all of the new staff.’