QPR loan could give Jeff Hendrick new life

Jeff Hendrick can dust off his boots and show everyone what he’s capable of with QPR.

Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick completed a deadline day loan move to QPR late last night.

The 30-year-old is leaving Newcastle United after making just three Premier League appearances this season.

But his drop down a division should give Hendrick some much-needed playing time and, more importantly, help him build his confidence in a big way.

Jeff Hendrick returns to the Championship after six years

Somewhat surprisingly, Hendrick has made more league appearances than Premier League appearances in his career to date.

The 30-year-old has played 214 times for Derby County after joining the club aged 16 over a decade ago. In contrast, he made just 147 combined appearances for Burnley and Newcastle.

Hendrick enjoyed his best form under Steve McClaren for Derby between 2013 and 2015 and then worked his way into Martin O’Neill’s Ireland team.

He quickly became a positive influence on the Irish team and excelled at Euro 2016, before being ousted by Sean Dyche.

Since then, life hasn’t been so easy for the St Kevin’s Boys product.

Hendrick re-emerges after a difficult few years

Under a handful of conservative managers – Martin O’Neill, Sean Dyche, Steve Bruce and Mick McCarthy – Hendrick has played more and more into himself, his performances at Euro 2016 looking more and more in the rear view mirror.

But the appointment of Stephen Kenny as Ireland manager quickly restored confidence and freedom in the 66-cap international, but not before some challenges along the way.

A great Ireland team goal ❤

You just gotta love Ogbene but what a great game from Hendrick and super-sub Jason Knight 👏 #COYBIGpic.twitter.com/VnYoig9w3Y

— Kenny’s Kids (@KennysKids) November 14, 2021

Hendrick’s form meant he was omitted from Kenny’s first two qualifying games, playing just 30 minutes against Serbia, with Alan Browne and Josh Cullen being the preferred options.

Fortunately, according to a report by the journalist David Sneyd, The relationship between Hendrick and Kenny has never wavered. Kenny simply dismissed Hendrick and made it clear what he wanted from his midfield.

Hendrick took the instructions on board and, in due course, turned the tables with a series of impressive displays.

Hendrick would prove a star player in the latter stages of the campaign as he rolled back the years against Portugal, Qatar and Luxembourg in particular. Problematically, Hendrick only played ten minutes of club football after the international break.

Still trying to process Jeffiesta’s performance last night 🔥#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/v1I6CvXOQ6

— Kenny’s Kids (@KennysKids) October 13, 2021

QPR can give Hendrick a platform to speak out.

Thanks to yesterday’s transfer, this problem has been solved. Previously, the Ireland international never had the chance to carry his international form into club play, but now he can.

Hendrick is sure to be a regular in the Queen’s Park Rangers starting XI, and if he can play like he did against Qatar and Luxembourg, you’d expect him to become an instant hit with R fans. .

It’s a loan move that will certainly benefit Hendrick – and a confident Hendrick is a very valuable asset to Ireland.

Find out more about: Deadline, Irish football, Jeff Hendrick, QPR