£1.3m MISFIT KICK-STARTS COMEBACK

CELTIC’S £1.3million misfit Jack Hendry celebrated his first start in nine months with the winning goal for KV Ostende against Mechelin at the weekend.

The versatile Scotland international, bought by Brendan Rodgers from Dundee in January 2018, made an immediate impact at the beginning of his season-long loan at the Belgian outfit.

Hendry made only a cameo appearance for the Hoops last season as a late substitute for debutant Jermie Frimpong in the 5-0 Betfred League Cup victory over Championship side Partick Thistle at Parkhead in September.

He agreed a temporary switch to Australian side Melbourne City at the turn of the year and suffered a knee injury setback in just his second game for the club.

Hendry, though, has kick-started his stint in the Jupiter League with the only goal of the game as he attempts to get his career back on track.

The 25-year-old utility player, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It was my first game for nine months. I was out for four weeks after my knee operation and then football obviously stopped. So, I had a lot of difficult months.

“To score the winning goal in injury time was a dream for me. It couldn’t have gone better. I knew I would get a chance during the game and I managed to finish it.”

Hendry added: “I think Belgian football suits my style of play and I think I can do well here.

“I respect the Belgian league. I also had options in Scotland, but there are some strong teams in this league.

“And I’m hoping my experience will help us this season.”