Newcastle’s beleaguered midfielder Jeff Hendrick was described as ‘a man reborn’ by a former international after his performance against Portugal last night.
The 29-year-old started last night for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in a World Cup qualifier against Portugal, lining up against Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
The game ended 0-0 and Jeff Hendrick, who has only been given two league appearances for Newcastle United this season, both of them as a substitute, was singled out for praise.
Before the match Ireland boss Stephen Kenny praised him in the Irish Mirror, saying : “In the last four internationals he has really raised his game, he has been really consistent. It’s great for us.”
After the match, speaking to Virgin Media Sport, former Ireland international Damien Delaney said: “Jeff Hendrick is a man reborn. He looks like has rediscovered his desire, his mojo. He was brilliant in the first half.”
Similarly, journalist David Sneyd, writing for The 42, described Hendrick and fellow midfielder Josh Cullen as the ‘key men’ in Ireland's successful defensive battle against Portugal.
Sneyd wrote: “Ireland’s midfield duo were brilliant, especially as they had to worry about Bruno Fernandes coming at them in front as well as Cristiano Ronaldo and Andre Silva lurking in behind."
The Irish Examiner was less effusive, but still positive : “With just 59 minutes of action for Newcastle this season, the midfielder was in defensive mode in the first half rather than getting forward to help the front line. Improved in the second half, with a more forward role in terms of passing.”
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Meanwhile Miguel Almiron also played for his country on Thursday night with Paraguay being beaten 1-0 by Chile in their World Cup qualifier and Almiron getting booked.
Another Newcastle player, Emil Krafth, also played for his country, turning out for Sweden as they were beaten 2-0 by Georgia.
There was no room on the pitch for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka though, who sat on the bench as his side Slovakia drew 2-2 with Slovenia, no doubt increasing his desire to get back in the Newcastle starting line-up.
