Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton is gutted for Celtic defender Jack Hendry after it emerged that the 24-year-old – on loan at Melbourne City – has suffered a knee injury and could miss the rest of the season.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton hopes for a swift return for the centre-half trying to rebuild his career following a disappointing 2019.
So what has Hutton said?
Having suffered serious injuries himself, Hutton is well placed to comment on Hendry’s spell on the sidelines and expressed his sympathy when he said:
“Nightmare, it is a nightmare but do you know what, it’s difficult for players when you’ve not been playing for a long time and you have to step up to a certain level.”
“It can be tough and obviously he’s went over there to get his career back on track and this has happened. It’s a shame, he’s not going to be out for too long, I hope.”
“He’s a good player and you want to see him play so it is a shame, I obviously just wish him all the best and hope he gets back playing as soon as possible.”
So is Hutton correct?
Absolutely, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the former Dundee defender, after making such a positive start to life down under – being named in the A League team of the week – to then suffering such a cruel blow.
Hendry has suffered an injury to his medial collateral ligament, which is on the inside of the knee giving stability to the joint between the femur and tibia and requires surgery to repair the damage.
Hutton is right, the Scotland international is trying to get his career back on track either by forcing his way back into Neil Lennon’s plans or by putting himself in the shop window to earn himself a move away from Parkhead.
Would Jack Hendry get a game with Celtic now playing three centre-halves?
Yes
No
Hopefully, for all parties, he can return to fitness before the end of the season and see some game time so that 2020 doesn’t become a repeat of 2019 and see another year drift from Hendry’s career.