Aided by the football know-how of his father, Callum Hendry has the mental strength to make sure his emergence with St Johnstone becomes the platform for a successful career rather than a two-goal flash in the pan, according to Perth manager Tommy Wright.
The Saints boss pointed out that bursting on to the scene with strikes in the recent games against Dundee is one thing. Sustaining that sort of form over a long period is entirely different.
And Scotland and Blackburn Rovers legend dad, Colin, will have an important part to play in that regard.
“Along with Chris Kane, Callum can be pleased with how he has done over the last few weeks,” said Wright. “But he has to keep his feet on the ground because there is still work to be done.
“His loan at Brechin didn’t work out the way he had hoped. I think he had one goal in 12 games but he had been playing well enough before breaking his wrist.
“Callum still needs to manage his game a little bit better in terms of getting through 90 minutes but he obviously carries a goal threat.
“He sometimes does unnecessary running. But that will come through experience.
“He was actually cramping up before he scored his goal.
“Given the serious injuries he had at Blackburn he is probably a couple of years behind in terms of his football experience.
“But he is a determined young man.
“He has had a stop-start couple of years here but there is no doubting Callum’s ability and his attitude to work hard on his game.
“Having a dad like Colin who played at the highest level probably helps him.
“Colin is using his experience to guide him and tell Callum what is required to be a professional footballer.
“You can have all the ability in the world but it demands hard work.
“Now Callum’s aim has to be to keep making an impact for maybe 20 games or so.
“There can be a natural spike and youngsters level off and have to go again.
“But he has the right mental strength to deal with that.
“Callum now needs to finish the season strongly and come back and be ready to go again.”
McDiarmid Park youngsters yet to make the first team breakthrough could do worse than follow Hendry’s lead.
“Callum is the perfect example for younger players coming through in terms of hard work, perseverance and dealing with hard knocks and set-backs,” Wright added.
“Nowadays a lot of young players think it is going to be easy but each step up is difficult.
“No one gives you anything. You have to take the opportunities when they come along.”
Tony Watt and Brian Easton both played for the reserves yesterday, with Niall Keown now back in full training.
With Jason Kerr available after suspension at St Mirren on Saturday, selecting his central defensive line-up will be Wright’s toughest task after Liam Gordon performed well against Dundee.
“We have options at centre-back and I will make a decision later in the week,” he said.
“We have had that choice for a while now but Liam has come in and done well again.
“I am blessed for the future because I have two really good young centre-halves in Liam and Jason.
“There’s not too many clubs who have young defenders who are capable of playing week in, week out.”
