Dunfermline manager Stephen Crawford has revealed that he tried to sign Celtic’s Ewan Henderson in January but expressed his delight to finally get his man nearly two months later. The 21-year-old joins the Pars as they look to seal promotion to the Premiership, sitting currently fourth. Speaking to the club’s website, Crawford was full of praise for the Celtic midfielder, hoping that he will be able to push the East End Park outfit towards the top flight.
Henderson was a second half substitute in the entertaining loss to Dundee at Dens Park but Crawford is hoping to see more of the youngster’s qualities for the Championship side over the coming weeks.
“He is a player who has caught my eye for a number of years. We did try to get him earlier in the window in January as well. We declared an interest at that point but it wasn’t happening. We have kept at it and he is a great addition to the squad for the remaining seven games now.
“You could see his qualities when he came on the park on Saturday. He adds to the competition for places but it is not just competition for places, we need to get points and I think with the experience he has got, he will bring an edge with his play but he will also bring an edge to the other boys as well.
“He sees a pass going forward, he is not afraid to take the ball. He has good vision, knows when to get out of tight situations and also knows when to move the ball. He also knows how to ask questions, he has a great weighted longer pass as well which we saw on Saturday night. He put in a couple of crosses that had the keeper or defenders scrambling.
“I am delighted that the club have backed me on that one to bring Ewan in. He will help us over the coming games now.”
Ewan Henderson has always impressed when given a chance at Celtic. He broke into the side in the last few games of the Brendan Rodgers era but suffered as a result of Neil Lennon taking over in what was seen as a crisis moment to guide Celtic to the Treble Treble. That didn’t allow for youngsters to get their chance in the first team.
A loan spell at Ross County curiously didn’t appear to be particularly successful but he returned to Celtic and when called upon against Lille in the Europa League this season – replacing the injured Jeremie Frimpong – he looks well able to deal with that standard and was a stand-out in the second half.
