THE LONG ROAD TO PARADISE

Ewan Henderson’s journey to the first-team squad included a detour to the Highlands

- TONY CONNELLY

THIS time last year Ewan Henderson had just made his debut for Ross County after joining the Highland outfit on a short loan. Now back at Celtic, the young midfielder is patiently biding his time for more opportunities in senior football but he insists training regularly with Celtic first team is making him a better player every day.

Henderson did not play a role in Celtic’s 5-0 win over Ross County on Saturday in Dingwall but he fully understood what each side was experiencing having played for both.

Last September, after seven appearances in the Celtic first team, Henderson went out on loan to Ross County to get more experience at senior level.

The Academy Bhoy has stood out in the Hoops at every age group and his talents have been evident still when he has featured in the first team. Knowing full well how hard to come by regular playing time in the Celtic first team can be for a youngster, Henderson was willing to pounce on any opportunity that came his way to improve his chances of making it at Celtic.

When Ross County enquired about temporarily attaining the teenager’s services early last season, Henderson knew the opportunity could greatly help his development and, with the blessing of his Neil Lennon, he headed up north to join the Staggies on loan.

Having spent the majority of his life at Celtic, leaving his family and making the move up to the Highlands was a big change for the teenager but focusing entirely on football helped him settle in quickly.