Liam Henderson had bigger things to think about on Saturday morning.

But a glance at the morning’s papers was enough to quicken the pulse – and not just because of the momentous afternoon that lay in wait for him at Hampden.

The midfielder, on-loan from Celtic to Hibs this season, had been thrilled to hear of the news on Friday evening that the Parkhead side had appointed Brendan Rodgers as the new manager.

But speculation linking the Hoops with Steven Gerrard Rodgers on-field lieutenant at Liverpool - had Henderson itching at the prospect of heading back down the M8 to Lennoxtown.

“Steven Gerrard was my hero growing up,” he said. “To see that Celtic are talking about players like that at the club is just sensational really.

“I think when you have a guy like Brendan Rodgers as the manager who has worked with world-class talents, all the big names in the game, then you know that someone of that stature is going to be able to attract that kind of calibre of player to the club.

“I think it is an amazing appointment. I am extremely excited to go back to the club. He has worked with my hero, Gerrard as I said, and I just think he is a manager who will love getting out and working with players on the training ground and trying to make them better.

“I hope I can go back, keep my head down and work hard.”

The other side of that coin, of course, is that a summer recruitment programme could restrict the opportunities of guys such as Henderson.

The 20-year-old midfielder spent part of last season out on loan at Rosenborg before then returning to head to Hibs this season where he has been an instrumental part of Stubbs’ side.

He is looking to push his way into the first-team set up with Celtic now and has insisted that he is open-minded about the chance to work with other players – but has never doubted his own ability to make the grade with the Hoops.

“It is just speculation, obviously, and there will be loads of players linked with the club this summer I am sure,” he said. “But I think it shows the kind of player that the club are looking at.

“I don’t feel that it makes it harder for young players to break through. I would look at it the opposite way and think that it would be an opportunity, a great opportunity, for young players like myself to learn so much.

“Guys who have been over the course and who have done it at the highest level have so much to teach you and I think I could learn an awful lot from them.

“I have always felt that I was ready to play for Celtic. I have never doubted my own ability. Neil Lennon put his trust in me away back when I was first coming through and I have never really thought that I wouldn’t make it at Celtic.

“Alan Stubbs has been amazing with me too. He has played me every week and gave me a lot of responsibility. I feel as though I am going back to Celtic a better player. Going out and performing every week has helped me to mature a bit as a player and hopefully I can go and show that now.”

John Collins, Celtic’s former assistant manager, revealed last week that every time he had watched Hibs had felt that Henderson was their best player and the youngster was delighted with the accolade.

“That was nice to hear,” he said. “John was a top player himself and that was nice to hear.

“John Kennedy kept in contact with me most of all and I spoke to Stevie Woods and the physios too. I just now want to get back after the summer break and kick on.”

For now, though, there is still a few glasses to raise in homage to the Scottish Cup success he was part of on Saturday. It was Henderson’s corners that led to Hibs’ equaliser and to their last gasp winner and he is keen to savour the moment.

“I will be back at the club at the end of the season but I have to say that at the minute I am happy to enjoy the party for the next few days at Hibs,” he said.

“It is amazing to be a part of something that is so momentous and means so much to Hibs.

“I have said all along that Hibs did not treat me as though I was a player on loan. They made me feel that i was part of the club from the first day I arrived and a part of me will be sad to go.

“But I am excited about what the next chapter might bring now.

“It is going to be a big season for Celtic I am sure and I want to go now and prove that I am good enough to be a part of it.”