Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to Ewan Henderson’s move from Celtic to Hibernian, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Busy start to 2022
The Hoops have wasted no time when it comes to their January business, with moves for Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda already finalised.
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Permanent moves for loanees Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are also being worked on behind-the-scenes while moving on a number of players is also on the club's to-do list.
The likes of Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli could be where Celtic bring in some funds, but it is Henderson who is the first player to depart Parkhead in 2022.
The Latest: Hutton reacts
Hutton, who regularly features on BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider regarding Henderson and Hibs in a story released on Tuesday evening.
A move to Easter Road has since been announced, with the 21-year-old joining on loan before making a move permanent in the summer.
Here’s what Hutton had to say, labelling an exit as ‘heartbreaking’.
“I think it’s always a worry. As fans and as a club, you always want to see the academy doing well.
“You want to see young players coming through. They know what the club’s all about, they know what it feels like to play and support the team and just see the development.
“That’s what the academy is there for, to have a pathway to the first team. Throughout the years, Celtic and Rangers have had times where the odd player’s come through and then went missing for a long time.
“It is a worry they’re getting back to those years where it’s constant players coming in through the door. Foreign players or players on initial fees and there’s no opportunity for youngsters.
“So it can be heartbreaking, it can be devastating for the youth setup because you can’t see any way in.
“I even remember when I was coming through at one stage. I was thinking there is no way I’m going to make into this first team. Every transfer window there was a new player coming in.
“It can be disappointing, but I think ultimately if you’re good enough, you will have an opportunity. Then it’s up to the player.”
The Verdict: The right call
Although it’s never ideal seeing a player Celtic have developed for a number of years move on, it appears to be the correct decision. Henderson played just once under Ange Postecoglou this season, coming off the bench to score in a Europa League dead rubber against Real Betis.
He was never really in the matchday squad either despite the club’s huge injury list, so a fresh start with Shaun Maloney should be the best move for him.
It doesn’t look as if Celtic have received any money for the attacking midfielder’s services due to the loan and Henderson being out of contract in the summer, but hopefully funds will be brought in from the likes of Barkas and Bolingoli.
In other news: Celtic may now sign £4.5m-rated man on loan; would 'separate' Nicholson from Lawwell.