Jeff Hendrick bids to keep Belgium in check

Initially, it sounds like Jeff Hendrick is going to give a predictably routine footballer’s response when he is asked how the Irish players are filling in their downtime between games and training sessions here at Euro 2016.

“Watch box sets, watch movies,” he begins, before taking us a little bit — well, more than a little bit, actually — by surprise. “Myself and Aiden McGeady are playing chess. It’s 2-1 to me at the moment but it’s close. They have been long games, good tactical battles. Maybe we should get a time clock.”

Turns out the Dubliner played “a little bit” as a youngster. “It’s an enjoyable game,” he elaborates. “It keeps you thinking. I suppose none of us like to lose so that’s why we are taking so long with our shots. And because I beat Aido the first time, he’s been on to me now and he wants to keep playing. So I’m going to have to try and keep beating him.”