In the midst of the madness at McDiarmid Park, Liam Henderson’s quiet contribution to what was a pulsating encounter seemed to slip quietly under the radar.

Overshadowed by Moussa Dembele’s 20-minute hat-trick and Craig Thomson’s penalty call, Henderson could nevertheless feel satisfied that he offered something to think about as he contributed to the win with not just the opening goal but a performance that may well have yielded him the man of the match performance had it not been for Dembele stealing the show.

“I could have had a hat-trick in the first-half,” smiled the midfielder after the game. “But just to get out and get a start was great. It felt good to be out there and making a contribution and obviously all that matters is winning the game but it was a great feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net for our first goal.”

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Liam Henderson: I have done my apprenticeship now I want to give it my all at Celtic

Aged 20, Henderson hasn’t played a huge amount of first-team football at Celtic, but he has played a decent amount of senior football elsewhere.

He was pivotal to the Hibs midfield last term and is assured his part in the history of the Leith club when he came off the bench in May last year at Hampden to help the Easter Road to their first Scottish Cup in 114 years.

Prior to that he cut his professional teeth in a loan spell with Rosenborg where, again, the reports that came back about his contribution were favourable.

There is an argument to suggest that if he was at any other team in the country Henderson would be a regular feature but given the wealth of competition at Celtic for places in the middle of the park, it there will always be a significant challenge in dislodging some of the regulars.

For Henderson, though, taking any chance that comes his way is necessary as he looks to test himself at the very top level.

“This is where I want to play football,” he said. “I have loved it since the manager came in. He has been really good with me and I know that there are obviously lots of players here and everyone wants a game.

“But for myself I need the chance to be here as long as I can and to give it my best shot to get into the team. The form this season has been nothing short of sensational.

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Liam Henderson: I have done my apprenticeship now I want to give it my all at Celtic

“We have dropped just two points in the league which shows you just how consistent this team have been. Everyone is on a high, it feels like a special chapter in the club is beginning and hopefully I can play a part in that.”

Rodgers is not the only one that Henderson has been impressed by.

The Scotland under-21 internationalist has formed a strong friendship off the park with Scott Sinclair while Kolo Toure’s name emerged again as one of the mentors for the younger players at the club.

Sinclair has arguably been Celtic’s most effective player this season. The 27-year-old Englishman netted his 16th goal for the club during the 5-2 win over St Johnstone in Perth on Sunday afternoon and Henderson has acknowledged just how instrumental he has been to the way which Celtic have played this season.

Sinclair’s threat lends Celtic a perennial menace with his pace, delivery and finishing all capable of inflicting damage.

“He has been outstanding,” enthused Henderson. “I really enjoying watching him and what he does but off the park we have got quite a good relationship too. He has helped me a lot with a couple of pointers and so has big Kolo.

“They are great characters to have around the place. They are always positive and bubbly and although they are always up for a bit of a laugh they are also very serious about what they do. It is reflected on how they look after themselves and how they train. They give everything every day.

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Liam Henderson: I have done my apprenticeship now I want to give it my all at Celtic

“But they have been really good with me. They have told me just to keep training hard, keep my head up and make sure that any chance that came for me I have to take.

“So it was nice to get the chance on Sunday to play. Hopefully there will be further opportunities that open up as the season goes on.”

Given the manner in which Celtic are cruising their way to the title there is a fair chance that the league will be won with masses of time to spare.

Should that transpire to be the case then there is every chance that some of the younger players might be given the opportunity to feature on a more regular basis between now and the end of the campaign.

“I am just focused on doing everything I can to play for Celtic,” said Henderson. “There is always going to be competition for places at a big club like this but there is only one way to go and see what you have got what it takes and that is by giving it everything.

“I have really enjoyed this season so far. The manager’s training has been different class and I feel like I have learned so much. I just want to put it to good use now.”