Hibs’ old boys help Hendy to flourish

LIAM HENDERSON is hoping advice from both sides of the Old Firm divide can help his career flourish at Celtic.

The 20-year-old has forced his way back into first-team reckoning after Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic picked up injuries.

Henderson made only fleeting appearances during the first half of the season but is now playing a bigger part in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

He picked up a Scottish Cup winners’ medal during a loan spell at Hibs last term and is grateful for the guidance of two former Easter Road stars.

Kevin Thomson left the Edinburgh side to join Rangers, while Scott Brown made the switch to Celtic.

Henderson said: “Last year, I was really fortunate to have Kevin Thomson as my room-mate at Hibs.

“He played for the other team in Glasgow, he played in the UEFA Cup Final and was a big influence.

“He spoke to me about coming back to Celtic. He said it’s a massive club and I should stay there.

“It was good to get advice at my age and I also have Broony here.

“For those two to hand down their experience at this stage of my career is second to none.

“I look to take it all on board and I can always go to them.”

Brendan Rodgers clearly hadn’t written off Henderson as a future Celtic stalwart.

The player reveals small adjustments in his play have come from the manager analysing his style.

He went on: “Compared to last year, I feel I’m a better player.”

Life is good on the football pitch, but Henderson is a young man very aware of life outside the glamour.

He said: “I auctioned off my Hibs cup final jersey because my little brother Jamie was in hospital with a hole in his heart and a narrowed artery.

“That went to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

“My Celtic League Cup final top went to Yorkhill. We put the combined total together and split it.

“I got around £7000 for the Hibs top and £1500 for the Celtic one.

“It’s good to give back, especially as my little brother was in hospital.

“I also auctioned off my Hibs cup final boots and a Celtic strip to help fix the roof at my local chapel.”