Summer sale Hendry shines against Messi and PSG…
One of the more controversial sales this summer just past was that of Jack Hendry. The centre-back failed to impress at Celtic and was subsequently sent on-loan to Oostende in the Belgian league.
Having previously been part of a Celtic defence that was dumped out of the Champions League knockouts by AEK Athens, the young defender suffered from guilt by association at times.
Kylian Mbappe and Jack Hendry during the match Club Brugge – Paris Saint Germain
However, after being sent to the Belgian Pro League, Hendry found his feet at Oostende and developed his game substantially, to the point he was brought into the Scotland set-up by Steve Clarke. Even this would prove not enough for Celtic to bring the player back for a second look.
Ultimately, Oostende took up the £1.75 million option ex-CEO Peter Lawwell hastily inserted into the loan deal, which took the player to central Europe. After signing Hendry, Oostende then decided to make a quick profit – doubling their money on the deal which saw him move domestically to Club Brugge.
Jack Hendry watches Lionel Messi during the match Club Brugge – Paris Saint Germain Club Brugge
Fast forward to last night, and Hendry was part of a Brugge side that helped turn in a solid display against the team tipped as favourite to win the Champions League. Having been touted to suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of PSG and their plethora of superstars, Hendry and his cohorts largely kept Messi, Neymar and Mbappe at bay.
Performances like this have Celtic fans everywhere scratching their heads.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing eh? Here are the highlights…
Paul Gillespie
