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Jeff Hendrick has “all the traits of a modern-day player” on the pitch, but Steve Bruce has revealed that the midfielder “shied away” when Newcastle United wanted to “parade” the club’s new signings.
The Irish international had a memorable debut on the right wing against West Ham on Saturday, scoring and assisting a goal in a single Premier League match for the first time in his career.
It was Hendrick’s first top flight appearance in 189 days, but tellingly, he played a full 90 minutes in a 2-0 win at London Stadium.
Hendrick will only focus on building his first display in a black and white jersey, and the 28-year-old is a no-nonsense and reserved figure off the field.
In fact, after having his own virtual introductory press conference last month, Hendrick decided not to join Bruce, Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser for a photocall last week.
“I think that’s his nature, he’s not looking for it,” Bruce told reporters on a Zoom call. “For example, last week, we had all three of us parade. We wanted to parade all four and Jeff wandered off a bit. He didn’t want to.
“He’s quietly going about his job. He caught my eye when he was at the Derby years ago and what he had done at Burnley for the last four years.
“He’s a proven Premier League player, who has all the modern attributes, who can score a goal. It was fun when I talked to Mick McCarthy, he said he has a very powerful shot and he should score more for what he is. He has.
“He has all the traits of a modern player – he’s big, athletic, he handles the ball well, and we’re delighted to have him. I’m not going to deny that we probably looked for him last March. So all that hard work we did materialized.”
Hendrick will certainly be an important figure for Newcastle this season, but several players face a battle to be part of Bruce’s 25-man Premier League squad.
Bruce will send out his team roster when the transfer window closes next month and as it stands there are 25 outfield players battling for 22 spots.
Although Matty Longstaff will not have to be formally registered as he is under 21, there is stiff competition for places at the moment. So much so, DeAndre Yedlin wasn’t even named to the bench against West Ham.
“At the moment, I have three right backs, so I will analyze that situation,” added Bruce. “I like DeAndre. He hasn’t done anything wrong since I’ve been here, but we will see the situation. Having three right backs is not so healthy.
“Muto has gone to Eibar. Flo has gone to Spain. He did not play last year.
“I remember having a conversation with [Henri] Saivet last year and Jack Colback who didn’t make 22. They just weren’t participating in anything, which was bad for them, bad for us and I understand that a player needs to play after a certain time.
“I will have talks. I think it is no secret that Achraf Lazaar, Rolando Aarons, Henri Saivet and Muto need to go find a new club and get their careers improving and moving again so we can see what happens in that department.”
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