By Football Insider speaking to Jackie McNamara

23rd Jan, 2020 | 6:34pm

Exclusive: McNamara suggests Celtic 24y/o may be plotting permanent exit after Parkhead update

Jackie McNamara suggests that Celtic defender Jack Hendry is looking for a permanent move from Parkhead after sealing a loan to Melbourne City.

The former Hoops and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says that the 24-year-old is likely planning for a life after the Bhoys and hopes a temporary spell away will boost his chances.

Celtic confirmed on Wednesday that Hendry would spend the rest of the season with Melbourne, the A-League side sitting second in Australia’s top flight.

Having seen the three-cap Scotland international seriously struggle for game time under Neil Lennon, McNamara says that Hendry will be looking to leave the club for good.

McNamara told Football Insider: “I think a loan, you know, he’s not played in a long time, I think he’ll be going on loan to show them and if he does well then get a permanent move – that will be his aim.

“It doesn’t seem he has a future at Celtic. They’ll (other clubs) have people there, watching the games and seeing what’s there, they’ll be able to see clips of him so I don’t think he’ll be completely off the radar to see if he’s producing or not.” 

Hendry has just one appearance totalling 11 minutes under his belt for the Hoops this season, having played just 15 times across all competitions last campaign.

He has a total of 27 outings to his name since arriving at Parkhead from Dundee back in 2018, having left the Bhoys for Peterborough as a youngster.

In other Celtic news, McNamara says there is clearly something going on after a “personal” spat involving a Hoops star.