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‘Better than Duffy’: Some Celtic fans want to see 6ft 4in ‘tower’ given a chance next season

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 20 April 2021 21:15, UK

A number of Celtic fans have called for Jack Hendry to be given a chance at Parkhead next season after the Hoops loanee was named the best player in the Belgian top flight this season.

The 25-year-old joined Celtic in 2018, but he struggled somewhat at the club, making just 27 appearances in green and white.

After spending the first half of 2020 at Melbourne City, Hendry linked up with KV Oostende, where he has done superbly in his 27 Jupiler League appearances.

Indeed, – the largest football magazine in Belgium – deemed him the best player in the Belgian pro league over the 34-game regular season.

The 6ft 4in giant’s top score of 6.48 over the 34 games was enough to take top spot over Genk winger Junya Ito, and also had him ahead of 29-goal ace Paul Onuachu.

And following the accolade, some Celtic fans reckon Hendry would be a good shout for the Bhoys defence next season if he does return to Parkhead.

Here’s what some Hoops fans have been saying on social media:

He’s gotta be given a chance….

— central scrutinizer (@centralscrutin2)

never given a proper chance.. came in under difficult circumstances and got a lot of blame that should have been pointed elsewhere and not at a 22yr old.

— SPFL Banter *** (@splbanter)

Glad it’s worked out for him never seemed like a bad lad maybe he will get a second chance with a better manager at celtic if he wants it

— Your Man (@YourManDan88)

He’s better than Duffy. Give him a preseason under the new manager and let’s see what happens. Ajer, Christie, Cal all went out on loan, improved and came back and made an immediate impact. Hendry looks to have done the same but no one wants to give him a chance

— Craig Wilkinson (@coach_wilki)

Now he’s ready. Bring him home

— Davie K (@DAVIEK101)

Celtic would be wise to try and bring him back given the shambles of a defense they have rn. At the same time, probably better for Scotland long-term having more internationals playing in Europe, different sort of footie being played there, can only help the national team.

— David Anthony (@a_miller16)

give him a chance in the team next season.

— Robert Leckenby (@1970Metalhead)

Oostende manager Alexander Blessin has been full of praise for Hendry, telling in November: “He’s a great talker in defence. He makes the people he’s playing with better.

“You can see them listening to him. He’s been a tower of experience for us. Jack’s the most important member of the team this season and he’s one of the best defenders in the league.”