Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes new signing Jack Hendry is in the right environment to develop into a Scotland international.
The 22-year-old defender penned a four-and-a-half-year deal late on transfer deadline day for a fee revealed by the Taysiders to be a club record, bettering the £1.2million paid by the Parkhead club for goalkeeper Robert Douglas in 2000.
Rodgers is confident that the former Partick Thistle and Wigan player could make a real impact and become an international player.
Ahead of the trip to Kilmarnock in the Premiership today, Rodgers said: “I brought him here because I think he can play Champions League football and obviously if you are playing Champions League football, that is a great step for you to move into international football.
“You have to come in with no ego, got to be able to improve and take on the responsibilities of being a Celtic player.
“But there is no question that if he can do all these things you have a player there with an incredible profile.
“The job is to develop that talent and hopefully he can align that with the mentality of playing under pressure each week then hopefully Scotland will have a centre half with really big attributes.”
Rodgers is expecting another test against Steve Clarke’s Killie, who drew 1-1 when they travelled to Celtic Park in October.
He said: “Steve has done an excellent job. He has them set up deep, they defend really deep and deny you space, especially in the final third of the pitch.
“He has got them very well organised, very tight and brought in some different players, so it will be a tough game for us.”
Kilmarnock have fitness doubts over midfielders Alan Power and Chris Burke.
New loan signings Aaron Tshibola and Aaron Simpson come into the squad.
Goalkeepers Leo Fasan and Jasko Keranovic are competing for a place on the bench after being brought in following the departure of Cammy Bell.
