Attackers I’m facing are Saudi this world
JACK HENDRY believes his Saudi club Al-Ettifaq are now using Premier League-standard facilities.
And when he returns from Scotland duty this week he’ll be facing a Premier League-standard strike force in his club’s next clash with Al-Ahli.
The 28-year-old has no regrets about joining Steven Gerrard’s Pro-League side.
The former Celtic and Club Brugge centre-back said: “The manager has made me a real focal point in defence and I like being the leader in the back four.
“It’s important to have that defensive foundation and I’ve played every minute of every game for the club this season.
“We’ve the second- best defensive record in the ProLeague and he has given me a lot of responsibility.
“If you’re not watching the league every week, it’s easy to look at it in a certain way.
“But when you see the calibre of players, especially at the front end of the pitch, it’s strong.
“My first game back will be against Al- Ahli who have Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin – all high-quality players.
“Be tween this, th e Champions League at Brugge and on the international stage, I’ve probably played against the best in the world.
“So I’ve got great confidence going against anyone. I enjoy putting myself up against them.
“The facilities we have now are top Premier League level.
“People can criticise but I guarantee you that the Saudi league will become one of the best in the world.
“I see it every day, in terms of the stadiums and infrastructure. It’s going to be mega.
“There are games when crowds are smaller, which can be disappointing.
“But my team averages around 14,000 and a new stadium is being built so hopefully it will get bigger.
“And the clubs have passionate fanbases.”