Cup-tied Hendry but ‘Boxer’ Bain could be given the gloves

JACK HENDRY is cup-tied so won’t play any part in Celtic’s defence of the Scottish Cup at Hampden on Saturday, but we seemed to cope fine without him in the semi-final didn’t we?

For the big defender there will hopefully be plenty more chances to play in a cup final, he’ll just have to be patient for now and enjoy the match with the rest of us!

“It is a difficult one. I can’t play because the day before the transfer window closed, I turned out against Inverness Caley Thistle in the Cup,” he said yesterday.

“Obviously, it is frustrating, but it is about the team and, hopefully, they will go out and do the job. These things happen in football and you need to be able to get on with it.

“The plan for me will be to get some positive experience. Naturally, everyone wants to play as much as possible, but if I can go along and see what it is all about then if it comes around again next season then I have that experience to call on.

“I’ll also try and be as positive as possible for the lads around me, as well.”

While Hendry is cup-tied the other player we signed from Dundee – Scott Bain – may well play at Hampden but will at least be on the bench. Bain was out on loan at Hibs because of his dressing room bust up with Neil McCann – apparently the score on that one was Bain 1 – 0 McCann and if full details emerge he’d be an even more popular figure with the Celtic support.

“Obviously, I was at Dundee with Scott, so I know his capabilities and I have got full confidence if I am playing alongside him,” Hendry said.

“I am sure if he is called upon, he will do a good job. He is very concentrated on what he has got to do. He is a good pro and if he is asked to play he’ll do well.”

Craig Gordon faces a fitness test but looks like he will make it. ‘Boxer’ Bain will be fine if needed to play in the final of the Scottish Football’s premier knock-out competition.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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