Jack Hendry put himself on the line for Scotland to claim Nations League glory – even though it has ended up costing him at Cremonese.
The defender was one of a number of standout performers for Steve Clarke’s side in the last international window, as they won their section and promotion to Group A. Hendry helped the Scots to wins over Ukraine and Republic of Ireland and then that all-important draw away to Ukraine that sealed top spot.
He has revealed he felt his calf in the last game in Poland but played on because he was so desperate to ensure Scotland topped their group. Hendry played his part against Ukraine but after the match, he quickly realised his injury was far worse than he had previously feared.
That has been the one disappointment as it has stopped him making the impact he would have hoped for so far with Cremonese. It kept him out for several frustrating weeks, when he returned to Italy and has left him playing catch-up with the Serie A new boys.
Hendry will now head away with Scotland for Wednesday’s friendly in Turkey looking to get back into the groove. The 27-year-old said: “I played in the first two games and I felt really good. In the third game after about an hour I went to block with a tackle and it was offside. I felt the muscle in my calf. But I was more concerned about staying on the pitch to help the team get the result and to get us over the line. Thankfully, I managed to get through it and we got the point we needed. It wasn’t until after the game I felt my injury was a more serious one than I thought.
“It kept me out for a few weeks and it was frustrating because I’m obviously at a new club and I’m still trying to settle and find my feet at Cremonese. Thankfully, I am back fit now and being involved with Scotland will help me build up my fitness and match sharpness.”
The Scot, on loan from Club Brugge, has been a regular fixture in Clarke’s teams of late. He was the main central defender in the last triple header and he really came to the fore. Hendry thinks it is down to the confidence that Clarke has shown in him that he is now assuming more responsibility.
The former Dundee amd Celtic player admitted: “I touched on it after the last games but it was massive for the manager to put me in and play in those matches. It was massive to be involved in those games, as it is for every game because representing the country is a massive privilege for me.”
Hendry thinks this Scotland group may be the best he has been involved with as he knows there is real competition throughout the squad. He thinks Clarke is building something special and it is something that all the players want to be involved in. There is a core but the Celtic call-offs have opened the door for new arrivals like Liverpool’s Calvin Ramsay.
Hendry knows there is strength and depth for every position. That is why he thinks it won’t be long before Scotland are back at another major finals. The Cremonese star, who played at Euro 2020, stated: “The strength and depth in the Scotland squad is as good as it has been in my time with it. It is great to win promotion to Pot A in the Nations League.
“It is good to see us in with some big teams and as players we are proud of that and we hope the fans are as well. We just want to strive to keep improving and to see how far we can go. The goal is obviously to get to another major tournament.”
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