Hendry desperate to play despite doubts over next career move

Jack Hendry has confessed his Celtic frustrations under Neil Lennon and insists it is ‘vital’ he plays regularly wherever he ends up next season.

The 25-year-old has been starring on loan in Belgium with Champions League-chasing Oostende and is dreaming of a Scotland recall in time for the Euros this summer.

What happens beyond then, he admits, is up in the air following the departure of Lennon as Hoops boss and the prospect of trying to impress a new manager back in Glasgow.

Hendry still has another year on his contract at Parkhead but, with a permanent switch to Oostende a possibility, his form has also attracted interest from Brighton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Wolves and Werder Bremen.

Having made just 15 league appearances for Celtic since joining in January 2018, the former Dundee stopper is relishing the game-time he is getting in Belgium, and knows his next move is crucial.

He said: “I’m open to anything that comes my way.

“It’s vital that, wherever I choose next season, I need to play every week to continue my development.

“If Celtic want to keep me, that’s something they would need to make a decision on.

“It’s frustrating that I was never given the opportunity to show what

I could Lennon).

“The way I’m performing, I could have a real good impact and it’s not been nice seeing the way the season has panned out for them.”

After finishing 15th – second bottom – last season, Oostende currently sit fourth in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League and Hendry has been a key performer in defence.

With a huge summer ahead for the national team, Hendry hopes his form has not gone unnoticed by Scotland manager Steve Clarke as he dreams of adding to the three caps he won in 2018.

He told the BBC: “The first time I played for Scotland (a 1-0 win over Hungary) was my proudest moment and I’m desperate to put on that jersey again.

“All I can do is maintain my standards to give the coach a difficult decision to make.

“Coming to Oostende, I’ve progressed as a player and person. I’ve really matured, grown up quite a lot. I’m playing against good opposition and international-quality strikers every week.

“Scotland have been playing with the back three and I’ve been part of the same system here.

“Playing in the middle, I can show my pace, power, and ability on the ball.

“If I was to get that Scotland call-up again it would really suit my style.” do (under

Jack Hendry: Key role at Oostende this season.