The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Rodgers backs Hendry to star for next decade
Former Dark Blues defender tipped to become Scotland mainstay
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes Jack Hendry could be at the heart of Scotland’s defence for the next 10 years.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who arrived at Parkhead from Dundee at the end of January on a four-and-a-halfyear deal for a reported fee of around £1.5 million, made his international debut for Alex McLeish’s side in the 1-0 friendly win over Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday night.
Central defence has long been thought of as a weak area for Scotland but Rodgers believes Hendry could be part of the answer.
“Jack came in from Dundee and settled in very well,” said the Northern Irishman, equally pleased to have seen 19-year-old defender Kristoffer Ajer make his Norway debut against Australia in the international break and then keep his place against Albania.
“Jack has the qualities to play for Celtic and the international team for the next 10 years or so.
“His profile suits the highest level. He is quick, he can defend and in international football it is important that you can deal with the ball and I think you’ve seen his comfort.
“For a player making his first appearance away from home in the international stage, he was very composed and looked as if he had played a lot more games than what he has done.
“He has a real belief in his ability. It’s not an arrogance or overly confident. He just knows that he is a good player who has more to improve on.
“But he has those special qualities that you need to play at the highest level.
“The great thing with Jack is that he wants to learn and keep improving and likewise for Kristoffer Ajer.
“He came here as a centre midfielder but we felt he could have a more successful career if he could play from behind.
“So for him, at 19 years of age, to come in and do what he has done at Celtic, and to play two 90 minute games for Norway, I think he has a great career ahead of him.
“I am delighted for both boys to make those first caps being so young.”
Meanwhile Scott Bain would love to extend his time at Celtic beyond the end of the season.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper arrived on loan from Dundee near the end of the most recent transfer deadline day after a temporary move to Hibernian had been cancelled and will become a free agent at the end of the campaign.
Having recently taken over from Dorus de Vries, who had deputised for injured number one Craig Gordon, Bain is hoping to impress Rodgers enough to win a new deal.
He said: “I would love to be here. I’ve loved every minute of being at this club and the fans have been fantastic with me.
“Here I can reach my potential with the staff and the players you train with every day.
“Because of the age I am it’s going to be a big move for me in terms of my career.
“I would like it to be here as this club has got everything for me to improve.”
Rodgers is also pleased to have Leigh Griffiths available again for the Ladbrokes Premiership visit of rockbottom Ross County tomorrow.
The striker has been sidelined since the end of January with a calf injury.
“He has been training well for the last couple of weeks so he will be available for selection,” said the former Swansea and Liverpool boss, who confirmed left-back Kieran Tierney will miss out with a calf knock that saw him withdraw from the recent Scotland squad.
“We took our time with it. He has been outside of here as well to get some specialist treatment and importantly he feels good and has looked very good in training.
“He is a very important player for us and to have him back available between now and the end of the season is massive.”