Jeff Hendrick has been speaking about the advice he has received from Roy Keane.
The Republic of Ireland assistant manager is perfectly placed to advise Hendrick, as he played in his position with such distinction for over a decade with Manchester United.
Keane, who scored nine goals in 67 appearances for Ireland, wants the Burnley midfielder to add more goals to his game.
While this may seem like pretty obvious advice (mostly because it is), Hendrick has said that he accepts Keane’s input, and that he’s working on adding goals to his game. The Ireland assistant manager’s advice is also a reminder that Ireland will need to find to spread out the goalscoring burden now that Robbie Keane has retired.
“I accept it, of course,” Hendrick said ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier away to Serbia.
“I go into games and I’m trying to play my best and I do try to score goals. I’ve scored goals in the past, it’s a great feeling to have, and something I’m working on. Hopefully, I can get more.”
Hendrick will make his 27th appearance for Ireland on Monday, and he has yet to score for the senior team. The 24-year-old set-up Jon Walters last September against Georgia, after a mazy dribble in the penalty area, and was unlucky not to score at Euro 2016.
Hendrick had four efforts against Sweden in Ireland’s opening group game, but was denied by the opposition goalkeeper and the crossbar. The Dubliner scored 26 goals for Derby County in 214 appearances, a ratio of around one goal every eight games.
Robbie Keane was no-longer a guaranteed starter in the qualification campaign for Euro 2016, but he was still the country’s top scorer with five goals.
Jon Walters and Shane Long both scored three, James McClean and Aiden McGeady scored twice each and West Hoolahan and John O’Shea scored one goal each.
None of Ireland’s central midfielders scored in the last qualification campaign.
The Burnley midfielder also spoke about his recent move to the newly-promoted Premier League side.
“I’m delighted I got the move,” Hendrick said.
“After the summer I had, I wanted a crack at the Premier League. I’m happy it’s done.”
After playing so well at the Euros, and sealing a move to the English top flight, hopefully Hendrick can continue his good fortune with another impressive display, and maybe a goal, in Belgrade on Monday evening.
