Jack Hendry may be an ex-Celtic player. But the biggest influences on his career might just be a former Rangers manager – and the current Ibrox boss. At 28, Hendry has experienced more than most players. He’s already played in six different countries after coming through the ranks as a kid at Partick Thistle. Having been to England, Belgium, Australia, Italy and now Saudi Arabia, he’s racked up plenty of air miles. And along the way, he’s learned his trade from a variety of different coaches. Right now, his gaffer is Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro-League. And as a Scotland regular, Hendry has no regrets about moving to the Middle East. But before he got there, he played Champions League football at Belgian side Club Brugge where Philippe Clement was in charge. The Rangers manager signed the Scot and gave him an opportunity to test himself against the likes of Manchester City and PSG three years ago. Hendry won’t forget the impact Clement had on him And he says the two men with Ibrox connections are cut from the same cloth.

As the big centre-back prepared for Tuesday night’s friendly with Northern Ireland at Hampden, he said: “In your career, you take good bits and bad bits from every coach you play under. I’ve taken on a lot of information and that definitely helps you as a footballer. It helps you see the game in different ways and understand it more. “Clement signed me for Brugge so had a major part in my development. The Champions League experience brought my game on a lot. He was good with me. I had a lot of one-to-ones with him, he told me what he thought I could do properly – and he believed in me. I was disappointed when he left for Monaco. But Clement’s pedigree speaks for itself. He’s a good manager and a top coach who understands the game. Also, he had that winning mentality. “He was always driven and wanted to succeed. All the players at Brugge looked up to him, listened when he spoke – and appreciated him. Gerrard is also good with me now. He believes in me too. He was a big part in me going to Saudi. I’m not sure I’d have made the move if he wasn’t the manager. I’m really enjoying playing under him. Are Gerrard and Clement similar? I would say so, in terms of that winning mentality. Gerrard’s playing career speaks for itself. He was the captain of Liverpool and such a focal point. He still is and his winning mentality is there to see every day in training. His standards are extremely high and it’s great to play under him.” When Hendry opted to sign for Al-Ettifaq, there were question marks about whether it would have a negative impact on his Scotland hopes. That’s why he had a heart-to-heart with national boss Steve Clarke before making the move. But right now, the Glaswegian is in line to start for his country against Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024 in Munich. And given where he’s come from – he had spells at Wigan, Shrewsbury and MK Dons in his younger days – that would be an incredible achievement. He’s had to endure major lows, like picking up a serious injury while on loan at A-League outfit Melbourne City.

But aside from his ability, the one thing Hendry has is resilience. He said: “My career so far is what has made me the person I am today. Those different experiences, you take things from each one and try to be the best player you can possibly be. “I always believed I’d get to where I wanted to go (even in English lower leagues). As a footballer, you have to believe in yourself and be positive. You take knocks along the way – I’ve certainly had them – and you’ve just got to come out the other side stronger. I feel I’ve done that, not just as a footballer but as a person. “Getting injured in Australia was the lowest point. I went to a nice club, a nice place, just to play football again. To make that sacrifice by going to the other side of the world and getting an injury two games in was frustrating. But you need mental resilience and a good network of people around you to come through it. I’ve had bumps in the road and some dark moments before reaching this point. But it makes you the person you are today. Even though some of those experiences weren’t so good, I’m thankful for them.” Hendry is competing with the likes of Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous and John Souttar for a start against the Germans.But Hendry said: “The Euros will be the pinnacle for me – along with the World Cup hopefully in the future. It would mean the world to me to be part of that opening game this summer. That’s why I spoke to the manager prior to moving to Saudi. The national team is important to me and my family. But the calibre of player I’m up against for my club is only going to help me. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead come the Euros. For our whole group now, there’s no fear element. We’re excited to play against the top teams.

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