‘Braveheart’ dad keeps Hendry Jr grounded

Callum Hendry has bagged goals in back-to-back wins over Ayr United and Motherwell.

And the St Johnstone striker took his tally to seven for the campaign against the Steelmen.

Perth fans have been hailing a new hero. But just weeks after penning an extended deal, there’s no danger that the 22-year-old centre will let it go to his head.

Because Hendry has to answer to boss Tommy Wright – and demanding dad Colin, the “Braveheart” who carved out a glittering career with Blackburn Rovers, Rangers and Scotland.

The youngster would love to retain his starting jersey for the clash with Ross County in Dingwall.

Hendry Sr admits it would be a special day in the Highlands if his boy gets game time.

“My mum’s birthday is Valentine’s Day. She’s turned 81 and I’m taking her to Dingwall,” said Colin. “There are no guarantees in football but it would be great if Callum played.”

Colin now doubles-up as his son’s agent.

And he had no hesitation in backing Callum’s decision to trust his future to boss Wright.

“When my Callum left Blackburn, he went on trial to one club and one club only. That was St Johnstone and he hasn’t looked back,” said Colin.

Despite producing another impressive display against Motherwell, the striker still took an ear-bashing.

“I am his biggest critic,” admitted his dad.

“We sat in the kitchen over a coffee the other night and dissected his performance. He was saying ‘you just don’t let up dad’.

“The best finishers don’t think about it. They dispatch it, as he did for his goal.

“But I’ll always be on his case.”

Callum Hendry has nowhere to hide from his dad’s critical gaze.