If you talk to people about Jeff Hendrick, they will tell you that a desire to win came as naturally to him as his ability.
It was accompanied by a realism about his game. Nothing is overstated, nothing is celebrated that shouldn’t be celebrated yet.
Hendrick has developed into a key player for Ireland over the past eighteen months. He has evolved from the straightforward midfielder Martin O’Neill first believed him to be into someone who on occasion reveals greater gifts.
His goal for Burnley against Bournemouth in December was one of those moments, but his industry and determination have become just as important for Ireland.
Hendrick’s European Championships were an important staging post for the player and for the country, but since then things have become even more encouraging.
Victory over Wales at the Aviva on Friday would move Ireland into a strong position in the group, but Hendrick won’t believe anything is done until it’s done.
Wales enjoyed the European Championships as well, but when you ask Hendrick if he envied them reaching the semi-final, his answer is revealing.
“I was more envious of Portugal who won it. It was good to watch them and see how well they did, it was a great story for them. We still had a good time, got some great memories out of it. For a few of us, we want to build on that and qualify for the next competition.”
Those who have built on the Euros include his friend Robbie Brady. Hendrick and Brady are now linked in the public consciousness, the two boys who played together at St Kevin’s Boys before reuniting in the Premier League and for their country.
The pair were in Dublin last week promoting the SUBWAY and Pepsi MAX #TheBigSUBstitution competition, which will see one lucky winner treated to a coaching session with Hendrick and Brady.
Theirs is not a story that Hendrick has grown tired of and he understands why people are interested. “We do know that. There’s not many stories like it. Hopefully we can keep going and play many more games for Ireland and qualify for more competitions.”
The start to the campaign has made that more likely. Brady will be suspended for Friday’s game, but Hendrick doesn’t believe there will be any extra edge because they are playing a local rival.
“It’s just another big game, you look at how well they did at the Euros, we know they’re a good team and what they’re capable of. We’re excited about it, especially because of where we are in the group, but we’ve still got to go out and make sure we perform and get the result we want.”
Martin O’Neill’s time has been defined by big results against the major teams and the belief has grown within the squad as a result.
O’Neill and Hendrick and Brady’s club manager Sean Dyche have similar qualities.
“I’ve found them to be brilliant,” Hendrick says. “For me, it’s just to go out and express myself on the pitch and enjoy the game. All the other details of working hard and doing my job, I sort of know that, so I just have to make sure I do it.”
Hendrick highlights their ability to man-manage players. “You get confidence playing under them.”
At Burnley, there are more tests to come but Hendrick has enjoyed his time in the Premier League while recognising the demands.
“If you’re not on it as a team, you get punished, but maybe in the Championship you could get away with it. There’s a lot more quality in the league, you see it in counter attacks or breaks, some of the goals that are scored every week have a little bit of brilliance.”
Dyche has the ability to take the pressure off his players.
“He’s been brilliant, I’ve really enjoyed it, he gets us going. Training has been good fun. He’s got a good group of players here, we work hard. He’s put a lot of freedom in our game.”
There is still a long way to go, something that isn’t lost on Hendrick.
When you suggest that Burnley haven’t got the credit they deserve for their season, he answers in a way that lets you know that he won’t want any credit just yet.
“The season is not over. We still have a lot of hard games and a lot of hard work to put in so then maybe we can talk about that.”
There will be a time to talk, but now is a time for action. Somehow you get the feeling that a member of the Ireland management team would be happy with Jeff Hendrick’s priorities.
To enter#TheBigSUBstitution swipe your SUBCARD in any SUBWAY outlet nationwide and answer a quick question to be in with a chance of winning. Customers will also earn 50 bonus SUBCARD points upon completion. Entries can also be submitted via the SUBWAY mobile app, which is available for download on iPhone and Android, or with a physical SUBCARD in store.
