One name has been noticeably absent from Celtic’s team-sheet so far this season. Liam Henderson.
The midfielder burst into the first team scene three seasons ago and has been given stints of action at different times as well as loan spells with Rosenborg and Hibs.
While Stuart Armstrong’s contract position is rightly high profile Henderson finds himself in exactly the same position, his current deal runs out in June.
Before going out on loan to Hibs in August 2015 the midfielder signed a new three year contract, that updated the three year deal that he had signed in January 2014.
Signing another contract appears to be a big dilemma after starting just five SPFL matches last season.
Clearly there is no argument that Brendan Rodgers called it right last season when it came to selecting his teams but every player has to look after number one.
Similarly Rodgers will have sympathy for the player but his priority is Celtic as a club, not providing a platform for another club to pick up a quality player on the cheap.
Adding to last season’s squad the Irishman has brought in Kendai Benyu and Eboue Kouassi as well as Olivier Ntcham to the already congested midfield positions.
There’s little doubt that Henderson’s preference will be to make it at Celtic but a season on loan at Hibs and last season’s experiences will have shaped his opinion.
Ryan Christie’s loan to Aberdeen has started promisingly, if he returns to Celtic after a season of regular football and perhaps a stint in the Europa League group stage the hoops will have benefited big style.
If a two year contract can be agreed with Henderson going on loan to Hibs for the season two of the most impressive young Scottish midfielders could be joining Celtic at the end of the season.
