Celtic Loan Watch: Ewan Henderson and Ewan Otoo shine as young Hoops have impressive week

A number of Hoops loanees were also in action for their clubs and here Glasgow Times Sport has compliled how the players got on...

OLIVIER NTCHAM

The Frenchman was an 89th minute substitute for Marseille as they drew 3-3 with Montpellier on Saturday. Ntcham’s side missed out on all three points after conceding in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.

Reports this week have suggested that the Celtic midfielder will return to Parkhead in the summer, with Marseille eyeing transfer alternatives. There was an ‘option to buy’ included in Ntcham’s loan deal in January, but he has struggled to make an impact back in his homeland.

The 25-year-old caused a stir when he pitched up in Marseille in January, with then manager Andre Villas-Boas insisting that he did not want to sign the midfielder. Since Villas-Boas left the club and was replaced by Jorge Sampaoli, Ntcham has found game time hard to come by.

JACK HENDRY

The Scotland international played the full 90 minutes as KV Oostende defeated Beerschot on Sunday. Marko Kvasina and Jelle Bataille scored two late goals following a Loris Brogno opener. Oostende are currently in fifth place in the Belgian Pro League and Hendry has been a mainstay throughout the season since his loan move.

After edging his way back into the Scotland fold, Hendry will be hoping to make an impression at Celtic when he returns to Glasgow this summer. Whoever is in charge of the Hoops next season will be hoping the 25-year-old can continue his impressive run of form.

MARYAN SHVED

Also playing in Belgium, Ukrainian Shved was introduced in the final minutes as Mechelen defeated Zulte Waregem on Saturday. The winger has had an impressive campaign scoring seven goals in 18 games. It remains to be seen whether Shved will return to Celtic this summer as Mechelen are keen for him to sign a permanent deal.

Mechelen boss Wouter Vrancken claimed at the weekend that any talks regarding Shved’s future are currently on hold, with the Hoops no further forward in appointing a manager.

He said: “A lot of change is underway at Celtic. There will be a different trainer and technical director. The people we talked to are now gone.

“Marian has clearly indicated that he would like to be here and stay here. I also think that’s best for him. He needs steadfastness.”

VAKOUN ISSOUF BAYO

Bayo was in action for Toulouse last night as they drew 1-1 with Guingamp in Ligue 2 in France. The striker was given the final 25 minutes from the bench, but he was unable to grab a winner for his side. Late last week the 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Toulouse reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe De France.

The Ivorian was instrumental in the match and provided an assist against Saumur for the winning goal in the tight affair. Bayo will be hoping to continue his impressive run of form as Toulouse close in on promotion into the French top flight.

Despite being utilised from the bench for the best part of the season, Bayo has played a key role for the French outfit. It remains to be seen whether they will look to keep him beyond his loan spell.

EWAN HENDERSON

Henderson played the full 90 minutes and bagged an assist as Dunfermline shared the points with Ayr on Saturday. The midfield youngster provided a pinpoint cross from the left flank for Declan McManus, who tidily steered a header into the far corner.

The 21-year-old has impressed since joining the Pars as Stephen Crawford’s team aim for promotion back into the top flight. Henderson is out of contract in 2022 so faces a huge year when he returns to Celtic in the summer. A strong finish to the season could improve his chances of sealing a first team spot at Parkehad next term.

LEE O’CONNOR

Full-back O’Connor played 90 minutes as Tranmere Rovers picked up a point at Scunthorpe. The match finished goalless, and the 20-year-old put in an notable defensive display. After joining from Manchester United, O’Connor was sent out on loan and he has impressed at promotion chasing Tranmere in his 34 appearances this term.

He is another who could be brought in from the cold this summer. Assuming Jonjoe Kenny returns to Everton, the Hoops will only have Anthony Ralston as a senior right back option. This could pave the way for O’Connor to make an impact in pre-season.

JONATHAN AFOLABI

Afolabi was given 30 minutes in the second half as Dundee picked up a point against Morton on Saturday. Aidan Nesbitt opened the scoring for the Ton on 78 minutes, before Lee Ashcroft bagged an equaliser with two minutes remaining.

Young Irishman Afolabi detailed this week that Celtic have been keeping a close eye on his progress in the city of discovery and he was keen to stress that he is looking forward to a Parkhead return this summer. He’ll be looking for another impressive display tonight as Dundee go up against Dunfermline.

EWAN OTOO

Otoo was given rave reviews by Clyde boss Danny Lennon last week as he grabbed a goal for The Bully Wee against Forfar. “We got an absolutely brilliant individual bit of play by David [Goodwillie] and it takes you 1-0 up, and then Ewan [Otoo] was fantastic, hit the bye-line and we scored another perfectly good goal,” Lennon said.

“There’s more to come from him [Ewan], in terms of his drive to get forward into key areas, and he did that.

“I thought, coming in at 2-0, we spoke about the problems that Forfar could cause if we didn’t handle the situation right, the mentality had to be good in the group, and I thought it was absolutely thorough throughout.”

The 18-year-old also played 67 minutes on Saturday as Clyde lost out to Falkirk 2-1. This weekend will see Otoo given the chance to test himself against Premiership opposition when Clyde face St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup. It will be interesting to see how he gets on.

BRODY PATERSON

Paterson played 90 minutes as Queen’s Park continued their domestic dominance in League Two on Saturday. Simon Murray, Bob McHugh, and Louis Longridge were all on the scoresheet as The Spiders defeated Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. Paterson was needed in a strong defensive showing in the second half as Ray McKinnon’s side battled with ten men to keep their lead.

Paterson continued on his fine form from the previous week, which resulted in him being named in the SPFL team of the week.

SCOTT ROBERTSON

Robertson was substituted after just 38 minutes as Doncaster were defeated 4-1 by Wigan at the weekend. Donny were 3-0 down after half an hour against The Latics and Robertson was hooked in a change of shape.

Doncaster are currently on the hunt for a new manager after the departure of Darren Moore. Dundee United boss Micky Mellon has been linked with the vacant position, with Andy Butler currently in interim charge.