Ross County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell is confident Ewan Henderson can take his next steps with the Staggies after joining from Celtic on a season-long loan.
Henderson was drafted in by Kettlewell and fellow co-manager Steven Ferguson ahead of last night’s transfer deadline, bringing their tally of summer signings up to nine following their promotion to the Premiership.
The 19-year-old has been on the fringes of the Parkhead first team since making his debut in a 0-0 draw against Kilmarnock in May 2018, but will now have the opportunity to gain more senior experience at Dingwall.
Kettlewell feels Henderson, whose elder brother Liam plays for Italian Serie A club Hellas Verona, will complement County’s midfield options.
Kettlewell said: “Ewan comes with a good education and schooling in football, and he’s had a taste of first team action at Celtic.
“We were looking to bring in that type of player to give us another option in the middle of the pitch.
“Having had a chat with Neil Lennon and Chris McCart at Celtic, it became very apparent what they think of Ewan.
“They believe this will be the next step in his development, as it’s extremely difficult to break into that first 11 at Celtic.
“He’s obviously got that burning ambition to try and play first team football. He just felt we would be a good fit, as much as Ewan would be a good fit for us as well.
“We feel he gives us a different dimension in terms of what he brings to the table.
“He’s one that Steven Ferguson and myself are excited to get into the building and get working with, as he’s quite clearly a talented kid.
“It looks like he has a bright future and we’re confident he can start to maximise his potential at Ross County.”
While Henderson arrives at Victoria Park ahead of County’s next game at home to St Mirren on September 14, winger Davis Keillor-Dunn has left the Staggies after agreeing to be freed from his contract.
Keillor-Dunn still had a year remaining on his deal, but had been made available for transfer earlier this summer after falling out of favour.
The 21-year-old is now a free agent after negotiating his release from the Staggies ahead of last night’s transfer deadline, meaning he can find a new club outwith the summer window.
Englishman Keillor-Dunn made 46 appearances for County after making the breakthrough under Jim McIntyre in 2017, netting six goals during his time with the club.
Although he showed initial promise, and was rewarded with a contract until 2020 later that year, Keillor-Dunn latterly found game time hard to come by and spent the tail end of last season on loan with Falkirk.
Although he made a strong impression, netting three goals in 11 appearances, he was unable to prevent the Bairns suffering relegation from the Championship.
