Melbourne City bring in defensive recruit Jack Hendry to cover for long-term loss of Richard Windbichler
With Austrian defender Richard Windbichler yet again nursing a hamstring issue, Melbourne City have spread the net far and wide to draft in some defensive cover on loan.
A-League
Don't miss out on the headlines from A-League. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former Celtic defender Jack Hendry could make his Melbourne City debut in Saturday’s battle for second against Perth Glory at AAMI Park after signing on loan.
Scotland-capped Hendry replaces Austrian defender Richard Windbichler on an injury-replacement deal.
Windbichler, 28, tore his hamstring again and is expected to miss at least six weeks with City set to err on the side of caution, as he’s injured it multiple times.
Watch the Olyroos in the AFC U-23 Championship Semi Finals LIVE on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Hendry has made 27 appearances for Celtic, mostly under former boss Brendan Rodgers, including six Champions League qualifiers.
But he has dropped down the pecking order since the return of Neil Lennon, playing just once this season – 11 minutes of Celtic’s 5-0 Scottish League Cup quarterfinal win against his former side Partick Thistle.
The 24-year-old arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday and is in good condition, with City coach Erick Mombaerts set to decide how to use him in Thursday’s final training session.
City is keen to keep Hendry until the end of the season, but will have to find another spot for him once Windbichler returns.
The former Dundee and Wigan Athletic defender has been playing for Celtic’s development team (Under 23s).
Celtic paid Dundee $2.86 million for Hendry. He is contracted with Celtic until 2022.