Ireland boss Stephen Kenny sticking with Jeff Hendrick despite lack of game time at Newcastle

Manager addressed cases of Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, and Robbie Brady — three players with precious little game time this season.

Pat Doyle, CEO, Peter McVerry Trust, with Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, and  Fr Peter McVerryat the launch of the Trust's Christmas fundraising appeal. Picture: Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny believes Jeff Hendrick’s lack of game time at Newcastle won’t be an issue ahead of next week’s double-header against Portugal and Luxembourg.

Kenny unveils his squad on Thursday for the concluding World Cup qualification double-header against Portugal on Thursday week, and Luxembourg three days later. Yesterday, as he helped launch the Peter McVerry Trust Christmas fundraising appeal, Kenny addressed the cases of Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, and Robbie Brady — three players with precious little game time this season.