BRENDAN RODGERS admitted that Jack Hendry and Kristoffer Ajer are the best central defenders available to him at the moment.
That’s why he started with the pair in last Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with AEK Athens.
Ajer, who was partly responsible for surrounding a well deserved lead just before half-time, picked up a caution – his second of the qualifiers – which means he is suspended for the second leg on Tuesday.
So Jozo Simunovic was played yesterday alongside Hendry at Tynecastle and after the week we have endured, few were really surprised that we lost the game 1-0.
Rodgers’ comments take into account the unacceptable behaviour of the back-stabbing Dedryck Boyata who is effectively on strike – see HERE.
And also the fall from grace of Jozo Simunovic who picked up a red card at Ibrox on Beautiful Sunday and again against the Armenian champions in the first round of qualifiers for the Champions League.
Perhaps he can restore his standing with his manger in Athens?
Rodgers believes that match experience will help Hendry grow into the role, although it is unclear if Rodgers has looked at the results his side has delivered with the former Dundee defender in the team.
Has he even played for Celtic in a league win yet?
“How do you get experience? The two boys are our two best centre-halves at the moment. It’s as simple as that.
“Jack is getting better each game. But how does he get experience? He needs to be exposed to it.
“He’s got a good profile. He’s quick, strong and dominant in the air. He’s finding a level now that he’s never played at. He’s going to step up over the next six months and be a very good player.
“Like when Kris first came in, he needs time. But he’s also developing into a very good player.
“Without Dedryck, they are our best central defenders.
“Age has never been a problem for me. But experience, if you have it and it’s there for you, then great. The two boys will have gained lots of experience in the European games.
“It’s admirable how Jack has coped. Of course he will mistakes, he is only human and is finding his feet at the level.
“But if we didn’t have Jack we would have even bigger problems. He doesn’t shirk from the ball or his defending and he is a boy who is going through his first exposure to a level which is new to him. Will he get better? Absolutely.
“Would I be more worried if he was just hoofing it up the park? Definitely. Like with all young players you want to look at Jack in 12 months’ time.
“Like with Kris, he went out to get some experience and this time last year was involved in qualification games.
“These are nervy matches for these players but Jack has coped with it very well. Not everyone can play here, it’s the challenge of the big clubs.
“But what I love about Jack is he doesn’t hide. He wants the ball and you saw his pace a few times against AEK the other night.
“He’s out there under the spotlight and we have to support him, develop him until he becomes that guy who has played enough games to know the level.”
