Sunday’s Glasgow Derby draw at times had an end of season feel to it. Some players might have already been looking towards next season with the league title race over. And Celtic are expected to make a number of changes over the next few months as they aim to return to the top of Scottish football. One decision that could be out of their hands though is the future of Jack Hendry.
Hendry was struggling for playing time at Parkhead last season. As a result, a loan to KV Oostende was a sensible move for the Scottish defender.
It has certainly paid off for the loanee. Rebuilding confidence and form, he is now back in the Scottish national team picture and has been called up by Steve Clarke.
The defender has impressed during his time on loan in Belgium and as a result, it should come as no surprise that the club want to sign him on a permanent basis and have that option in the contract as well for a pre-agreed transfer fee. As reported by the Daily Record, Oostende Executive President, Gauthier Ganaye, said:
"“It is no secret that it is a loan with an option.“We have the option to make it permanent before the summer.“I am very hopeful that will happen.“We are very happy with Jack and he is one of the reasons why the team has been doing so well this season.“We have ambitions between now and the summer and then we want to strengthen again for next season and we want Jack to remain a big part of things.”"
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Could Hendry have a future at Celtic?
For Hendry, this seems to be a sensible move. He has adjusted well to the Belgian league and is clearly a big part of KV Oostende’s team, something he was not back at Parkhead for quite some time now.
Things have changed at Celtic as well though. Neil Lennon has stepped down from his role and a new manager is expected to be brought in, in the summer. And it is very possible that Hendry could become a first-team player under him at the club after his impressive displays this season.
Of course, it all depends on Hendry himself now. KV Oostende appear to be ready to activate the option in his contract and if he agrees a deal with the Belgian side, then the Hoops cannot prevent him from leaving.