Celtic’s Liam Henderson comments on role under Brendan Rodgers – time to leave?

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Hibernian were linked with Liam Henderson in January – and the midfielder continues to struggle for game-time udner Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

It’s fair to say it hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for young Liam Henderson. While his Celtic team-mates have cruised to victory on an almost weekly basis, lifting the title in the first week of April, the midfielder has remained glued to the bench, the Evening Times reports.

In total, Henderson has started five Scottish Premiership games this season. And with Eboue Kouassi starting to show his worth following a January move from Russia, Callum McGregor getting better by the week with Stuart Armstrong, Scott Brown and Tom Rogic for company, you wonder when Henderson’s next chance will arrive.

Nonetheless, the Livingston-born youngster, who made his debut at just 17 years of age, insists that he is far from unhappy with his role at Celtic Park.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute under Brendan Rodgers. I’ve learned so much,” Henderson told the Evening Times. “He’s always said to me since he came in that he’ll give young boys a chance and that if you are good enough he will have no hesitation about putting you in.

“You can see Broony and Stu (both below) playing for the national team the other night, Tom Rogic has played for Australia every time he’s away. I’m only 20. For me I just need to keep working away. It’s not going to get handed to me on a plate.”

According to the Scottish Sun, Neil Lennon’s Hibernian were keen on signing Henderson in January. And you could see why a move may be enticing. After all, Lennon gave the midfielder his debut in the Celtic first-team in 2013.

Meanwhile, Henderson spent an excellent season on loan at Hibs in 2016/17, playing a starring role as they won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years.

However, Rodgers has shown this season that he is willing to hand opportunities to his young players. Like McGregor, Henderson’s time will come. Patience is indeed a virtue and he must stick rather than twist.