LIAM HENDERSON is a bit of a rarity at Celtic – he has won a Scottish Cup medal.
Skipper Scott Brown has picked up two and Craig Gordon managed a Hampden success with Hearts in 2006.
Mikael Lustig and James Forrest, of the team that beat Kilmarnock at the weekend, were the only others who could boast winners’ medals in the national trophy.
Henderson, of course, picked up his coveted badge while on loan at Hibs last season and played a key role in the 3-2 victory over Sevco Rangers.
Mark Warburton’s side were on their way to glory as they led 2-1 with only 10 minutes to go of an exciting, frantic Hampden finale.
Henderson, an inspirational 70th-minute substitution for Liam Fontaine, swung over two devastatingly-accurate right-wing corner-kicks to guide the trophy back to Easter Road after an absence of 114 years.
Anthony Stokes, also on a temporary deal from the Hoops, headed in the equaliser and, in stoppage time, captain David Gray did likewise with the winner.
However, the odds of Henderson getting the opportunity to repeat that feat in this memorable campaign look fairly remote – but the playmaker isn’t complaining.
As Brendan Rodgers prepares his side for their semi-final against Rangers a week on Sunday, Aussie Tom Rogic is coming back to fitness after his ankle problems to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
Henderson, who has started only six games this season, said: “It’s been brilliant being back at Celtic.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute under Brendan Rodgers. He’s been unbelievable for me and I’ve learned so much.
“We are training at a high level every day and playing. When I’ve been given the opportunity, I feel I’ve done myself justice. It’s been a brilliant season for me.
“Celtic is a massive club. At the end of the day, they are a Champions League club.
“You saw Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong playing for the national team the other week, Tom Rogic has played for Australia every time he’s away.
“I’m only 20. For me, I just need to keep working away. It’s not going to get handed to me on a plate.
“Celtic is the biggest club in Scotland and I need to keep working and learning off these boys every day.
“The manager has always said to me since he came in that he’ll give young boys a chance and that if you are good enough he will have no hesitation about putting you in.
“I’m delighted to be at Celtic under Brendan.”
Thanks to everyone who has so far ordered our new book In thr Heat of Lisbon with our Jock Stein t-shirt for just £19.67.
The orders will be shipped later next week when we get the book hot off the presses. At that point the launch offer will end and both the book and t-shirt will be sold separately at £14.99 each.
Hurry to catch the special £19.67 offer for both by going to www.cqnbookstore.com and remember all profits will be used to say Thank You to the Celtic players of 66/67.
Ask not what the Lisbon Lions have done for you…
Book & T-shirt launch offer, both just £19.67 from cqnbookstore.com
