I’ve still got so much to learn, says Jeff Hendrick

Jeff Hendrick’s journey from fringe squad member to cog in the Irish midfield was all but completed at last summer’s European Championships in France but the Burnley player couldn’t help but baulk yesterday at the suggestion that he is some sort of ‘senior’ pro now.

“I wouldn’t say senior, I was still up for Young Player of the Year (this year),” he pointed out. “I don’t know about senior. I’m one of the youngest here at 25. There is a lot of older players and there is a good mix of ages. A lot of players here have played a lot of games as well.

“We all just sort of bounce off each other really. A lot of people take control and that is the sort of group the manager has built where we’re all trying to, not lead, but give our input. It’s working well so far and we have to keep that going.”