JACK HENDRY has had his critics since joining Celtic back in January.

The former Dundee man has looked like a fish out of water at times when he has come into the fold.

Brendan Rodgers admitted in an interview recently that he would not have opted to put Hendry in so many games so soon had there not been injuries to key defenders over the past year.

Hendry has come in and replaced Boyata, Ajer, Jozo and even now Benkovic when they have come down with regular injuries.

However, nailing down what’s expected of him on the field has proved tricky.

Speaking about his Celtic experience so far, the defender has admitted it’s been the toughest time of his career.

“It has been a tough time at club level for me personally but I always think that they make you stronger as a player and as a person,”

“I am always looking for feedback on my performances whether that is from games or in training but I am always looking to improve.

The 22-year-old admits the scrutiny he is under as a Celtic player has been a steep learning curve.

“It has probably been the steepest learning curve of my career over the last six months. Every touch, every pass, every move gets analysed at Celtic so that is something that I have had to learn from. I need to embrace that.

“It is difficult. Sometimes you have to stay strong and it makes you a bigger and better person. It is not easy dealing with disappointments but that is when you have to stand tall.”

If Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata report back safe and well from international duty then Hendry will be unlikely to start against Hibs.

The player was dropped altogether for the St Johnstone game before the international break.