Jeff Hendrick: Time was right to move
The midfielder was one of Ireland’s brightest lights as Martin O’Neill’s men came through the group before losing to France in the last 16.
His exploits always seemed likely to secure the 24-year-old a move from Derby County to the top flight but Hendrick had to wait until yesterday, the final day of the transfer window, to secure a move to Premier League new boys Burnley.
Hendrick signed a three-year deal with the Clarets for a club-record fee reported to be in the region of £10m (€11.7m).
“The Premier League was a big draw for me and it’s where I aspire to be after the summer I’ve had,” Hendrick said, before catching a flight back to Ireland for last night’s friendly against Oman.
“Burnley did so well last year going unbeaten for five months and how much they wanted me this summer was a real positive for me.
“I know there have been a number of bids and I was sitting there waiting for one to be accepted.
“I would have preferred it to happen earlier to get to know your team-mates and coaching staff a bit more but I am just thankful it’s done now and I can go away with Ireland knowing my future is settled.
“It’s a little weird signing for a club and not meeting everyone for more than a week, but I am really looking forward to getting back and training with the lads.”
Hendrick’s Ireland team-mate Aiden McGeady also secured a deadline day move, dropping a level to join Championship side Preston from Everton on a season-long loan deal.
“I am delighted to sign, it came about pretty quickly,” he said.
“It was only yesterday that I heard it might be a possibility and then by this morning I heard it wasn’t happening and then about three or four hours ago I heard that it was back on again, so I was quite excited to get it sorted and I am now looking forward to getting back playing and helping the team. “
Eunan O’Kane was another Irish player on the move, joining Leeds United from Bournemouth.
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