EWAN GOING, GOING SHAUN
FROM BACK PAGE initial loan until the end of the season which will become a permanent three-year deal in the summer.
And he admits reuniting with his old academy coach – whom he credits for making him a first-team player at Parkhead – was the clincher in his decision to move along the M8.
Hibs first made their interest known moments after the 21-year-old scored for Celtic in the 3-2 Europa League win over Real Betis last month. But it wasn’t until Maloney was appointed over a week later that Henderson’s mind was made up.
He said: “It sort of happened after I came on against Real Betis and scored – my agent phoned me that night and said Hibs were interested.
“The manager hadn’t been announced yet so I wanted to wait and see who it would be but as soon as I saw it was Shaun Maloney I said, ‘A million per cent, let’s get this done!’
“Shaun being here played a big part in me choosing Hibs. When I worked with him at Celtic he made me a better player, he’s a top manager.
“He was unbelievable and a big influence on my career from the age of 18. The way he sees football made me look at the game in a completely different way. He was a big reason that I made the step up to the Celtic first team.
“I’m forever grateful to Celtic for what they did for me. They brought me through their academy to play for the first team.”
Henderson has a strong connection with his new club, not least following in his brother Liam’s footsteps just five years after he cemented his status as a Hibee hero with the delivery for David Gray’s winner in the 2016 Scottish Cup Final.
The elder sibling – now plying his trade in Serie A with Empoli – took to social media to congratulate his brother on his move, saying: “It’s wonderful to see.
“Undoubtedly a great place to play football, under a top young manager. Can’t wait to see him walk out at Easter Road. Look after him.”
And Ewan, who made 12 top-team outings for Celtic in five years, told HibsTV: “Everything about the club and the way it’s run makes this the perfect place for me.
“The cup final was an amazing day for the family. My grandad is a Hibs fan, my dad Nicky supported Hibs when he was younger, so it was an unbelievable day I’ll never forget.
“I’ve been FaceTiming Liam every day and he just said the best place to be is Hibs. Every player wants to play the type of football that Hibs are trying to play.
“I just want to play. I’ve missed that a bit in the last couple of years so my focus is just to play games, make sure the team is winning, and do everything I can to help them.”
Henderson was Maloney’s second capture in as many days following the £325,000 arrival of striker Elias Melkersen from Bodo/Glimt.
Arsenal defender Harry Clarke then became signing No.3 on an 18-month loan yesterday.
But striker Jamie Gullan left Easter Road after sealing a permanent move to Raith Rovers last night.