Jack can be best Boy-ata

Brendan Rodgers insists Jack Hendry can become Celtic’s next Dedryck Boyata and confound his constant critics.

The former Dundee stopper has been butchered by supporters for his shaky performances since his £1.5million signing.

Now with Boyata suspended and Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic injured, the 23-year- old looks a cert to start alongside Filip Benkovic as Celts look to keep their treble Treble train on the tracks at Murrayfield.

Rodgers said: “We knew Jack would need time to adjust to playing for club like Celtic where every performance, every step, is super-analysed.

“He’s recognising at this level the microscope is right on you and you can’t afford to make mistakes.

“He also knows that over time the way you earn that respect is by not making the mistakes.

“He’s got a good example next to him in Boyata – when I came in everyone was talking about his mistakes, fitness and so on.

“Look at him now – a topclass defender playing for one of the best countries in the world and going into a game like the one in Germany on Thursday night and still looking a stand-out performer.

“So for Jack, it’s about confidence and learning, doing the basics well.

“Top- level defenders have good positioning, agility, and can handle the ball. That will come with time for Jack.”

Benkovic is nursing an Achilles strain and was benched in Leipzig but should be fit today.

Rodgers said: “We had to protect him. We’re just managing him. Tom Rogic should be OK as well.”