Dedryck Boyata’s injury has potentially propelled Jack Hendry up the pecking order at Celtic.
Jack Hendry might only be 23, but the Celtic defender might have a career-defining month ahead of him nonetheless.
It’s make or break time for the former Dundee centre-back who, in truth, has been dreadful for Celtic and indeed Scotland this season.
Hendry had the confidence knocked out of him earlier in the campaign following a number of very ropey performances and Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers appears to have lost faith, not starting him in any competition since October 4.
In fact, the young Scot hasn’t even kicked a ball since getting a 10-minute cameo in the 3-0 win at Hearts on October 28, but Rodgers might just start using him again soon.
The Northern Irishman confirmed on Tuesday that Dedryck Boyata is looking at around three weeks on the sidelines [Scottish Sun], a revelation which potentially opens the door for Hendry, especially with Kristoffer Ajer also absent at the moment.
He won’t be starting games, because Jozo Simunovic will continue to partner Filip Benkovic, but Simunovic is hardly the paradigm of consistency himself so Rodgers may well turn to Hendry more regularly throughout the next month.
And with January around the corner, he really must make the very most of any chance that he gets from the Celtic boss.
If Hendry does get chances and blows them then few would blame Rodgers for getting rid.
It just hasn’t worked out since his £1.5 million move 11 months ago, but Boyata’s injury gives him a lifeline and one he really must take with both hands.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
