The odds against Jack Hendry not getting off to a winning start as he made his Hoops debut last weekend would have been pretty high, given the domestic track record of Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The smart money, though, would be on Hendry making an impact at the heart of Celtic’s backline in the weeks and months to come.

Rodgers’ perseverance in getting the player into the squad before the deadline last week underlined his admiration of the player, a defender whom he subsequently tipped to go on and win full international honours in his career.

Read more: Gary Caldwell: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers inspired me to throw my hat into ring for Scotland job

For Hendry, though it is about the here and now.

The defender has arrived at the club, or rather returned to the club he was released from in his teens, determined to show that he has what it takes to nail down a regular place., an ambition that will be his immediate goal.

“I’m sure Celtic fans will see what I am very passionate in what I do and I strive to succeed – I am a winner,” the former Dundee defender told the Celtic View.

“I class myself as what people would say is a modern-day centre-half. I like to bring the ball out and play good football but, first and foremost, I like to defend and I thrive off of keeping clean sheets and getting the upper-hand against other strikers and opponents.

“I am a real admirer of how Celtic play and I feel it suits my game. That is one of the main reasons why I came here and hopefully I can add to the squad by coming in and playing that way.

“First, I want to get my head down and try to get myself in the team and once I am in the team, maintain that and continue the success the squad has been having. I am just going to keep my head down as the hard work starts now and I want to get myself in the best possible shape so I can go in and be a starting player.”

The deal to get Hendry and goalkeeper Scott Bain in before last Wednesday night’s deadline closed was done with minutes to spare.

And Celtic manager Rodgers was quick to congratulate the player on his move from Dens Park.

Read more: Gary Caldwell willing to work with Walter Smith as he eyes up Scotland job​

“The gaffer was just delighted that the deal got over the line,” he said. “He is happy I am here and looking forward to working with me, pushing me on and progressing me as a player.

“It is obviously a massive compliment that a manager of his stature wants me. So it is up to me to repay that faith he has shown in me and really kick on.”

Hendry had barely time to look out his boots than he was lining up at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock. He is expected to play a part against Partick Thistle this weekend on Scottish Cup duty, a game that will act as a prelude to the Europa League game against Zenit St Petersburg next week.

The home game will be seen as key prior to Celtic’s return for the second leg seven days later to Russia and Hendry could well find himself involved in what would arguably be the biggest game of his career.

Marvin Compper has been injured since arriving in the January transfer window. The veteran defender is pushing towards full fitness, however his lack of game time this season means that it is unlikely he will be rushed into the first-team.

Jozo Simunovic is fit to play but with Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer added to a lengthy crocks list this week, the expectancy is that Hendry will have as good a chance as any of playing.

“I was a ball boy for the Barcelona game – the 3-2 game – and against other teams like AC Milan,” he said. “You remember the likes of Messi turning up and the atmosphere being incredible – special games, special moments.

Read more: Derek Rae: Back to the future not the way forward for SFA 

“You always wanted it as a kid so it was a dream to come back and play for Celtic and now it is a reality which is a really good feeling.”

Certainly, first-team coach John Kennedy, believes Hendry is capable of going in and staying in the Celtic defence.

“He has hardly missed a game for Dundee,” said Kennedy. “In terms of fitness, he is fine and it is just about getting up to speed in terms of his position in the team and his role within the team structure.

“He plays in a manner which suits how we play. This is why the manager wanted to bring him in which will allow him to quickly adjust to how we want to play. He is an intelligent boy and he won’t be a problem going forward.”